A new policy is in place that will require high school seniors attending public schools to apply for financial aid to attend college. Jeff Palermo has the story…

CUT 1 (27)  “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Lafayette ranks as the worst in the nation for jobs decline. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 2 (29)  “I’m Eric Gill”

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Starting with the senior class 2018, Louisiana high school students who attend public school will be required to apply for financial aid for college. State Superintendent of Education John White says students are leaving tens of millions of dollars on the table every year because they do not apply…

CUT 3 (09)  “financial aid”

White says they estimate about 15-thousand seniors do not seek federal aid and that’s ashame, because they could be eligible for assistance to attend a university or community college

CUT 4 (11)  for Louisiana kids”

Filling out financial aid applications with the state and federal government will be required for graduation starting in 2018. Students can opt out, but their parents will need to sign a waiver. White says they at least want to present students with a choice

CUT 5 (09)  “first place”

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According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Lafayette ranks as the worst in the nation for jobs decline. Between October 2014 and October 2015, the area lost approximately 4,300 jobs. LSU Economist Dr. Loren Scott says the Lafayette economy, as well as Houma-Thibodaux’s, is getting hit hard by the decline in oil prices…

CUT 6 (10) “Louisiana experiences“

The Houma-Thibodaux area has lost some 2,800 jobs during the same time period. Scott says the downturn in the oil and gas industry affects other parts of the economy, as well. He says the oil and gas industry has a multiplier effect of five…

CUT 7 (09)  “services sector“

On the other side of the coin, the Lake Charles area has the nation’s third best percentage of job increases, as they have added 4,600 jobs. Scott says the increase is fueled by huge construction projects in the area, like two LNG export terminals that are under construction…

CUT 8 (11)  “build them, too“

=================================================

State Police are investigating a seven vehicle crash that occurred on I-10 in West Baton Rouge Parish early this morning. Sergeant Nick Manale says the crash happened around 3AM in heavy fog conditions when a passenger vehicle stopped in the roadway…

CUT 9 (09)  “stopped vehicle”

He says a total of six 18-wheelers were involved in the crash. Manale says one of the rigs burst into flames after the crash and the others were severely damaged. He says, luckily, there were no serious injuries reported…

cut 10 (11)  “local hospitals”

Two people were taken to the hospital with minor injuries. Manale says their investigation is ongoing, but there were many factors involved with this crash…

Cut 11 (11) “18-wheelers”

=================================================

State Police say a 31-year-old man is under arrest in the deaths of two people found dead in a home in East Feliciana Parish. Trooper Bryan Lee says Eric Sanders of Norwood is charged with two counts of first degree murder. Lee says the victims were found Sunday at a home near Clinton…

cut 12 (09)  “Zachary, Louisiana”

The victims have been identified as 46-year-old Kem Smith of Clinton and her boyfriend, 39-year old Clfton Cowan, Jr. of Zachary. Lee says LSP got involved with the investigation at the request of the East Feliciana Parish Sheriff’s Office…

cut 13 (10)  “degree murder”

The investigation determined that Sanders was the ex-husband of Smith. Lee says Sanders was arrested without incident…

cut 14 (05)  “degree murder” 

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Leonard Fournette is not a finalist for the Heisman Trophy. Jeff Palermo has the story…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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The state Department of Transportation and Development says the maintenance work being done on the Sunshine Bridge in St. James Parish is now complete. Michelle Southern reports…:

Cut 2 (29) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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Governor-elect John Bel Edwards announces his Commissioner of Administration is Lt. Governor Jay Dardenne. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 3 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

______________________________________

 Governor Bobby Jindal will be in Shreveport today to begin a tour around the state highlighting his economic development wins during his two terms in office. Jindal will tour the Benteler Steel/Tube facility and visit with employees. Tomorrow, he’ll be at CenturyLink in Monroe. His former Economic Development Secretary Stephen Moret says Jindal worked hard a bringing jobs into Louisiana.

cut 4  (08)  “an impact”

 According to the governor’s office, under Jindal’s leadership the state has set employment and per-capita income records and his economic development efforts are leading to over 91-thousand new jobs in Louisiana. Moret says this was one area where Jindal really made a big impact.

Cut 5  (07)  “the state”

 According to the governor’s office, since 2008, the state has secured economic development wins with more than 62-billion dollars in new capital investment and hundreds of millions of dollars in new sales for small businesses in Louisiana. Moret says he’s proud of the work he did with Jindal and they sweated blood and tears to produce those things.

Cut 6 (08)  “leaders”

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 The state Department of Transportation and Development says the maintenance work being done on the Sunshine Bridge in St. James Parish is now complete. The project, which began in February 2014, involved cleaning, painting and performing structural repairs to the main spans of the Sunshine Bridge on LA70. DOTD spokesman Rodney Mallett says it was a $25 million dollar job:

CUT 7 (10)  “four lanes of traffic”

Mallett says the bridge is used, on average, by about 22,000 motorists on a daily basis and was a vital route used by folks going to and from the Houma-Thibodaux area to Baton Rouge. He says the bridge was limited to one lane in each direction which did cause some delays, but it was work that had to be done…:

Cut 8  (06)  “the life of it”

The Sunshine Bridge was built in the early 60s and requires regular painting and maintenance to ensure that the structure provides a long service life. Mallett says work was scheduled to be completed by spring 2016, but extra workers and a string of nice weather enabled the contractors to finish up early. He says this also beneficial to the state:

Cut 9 (10) “finishing early”

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LSU’s Leonard Fournette was a favorite to win the Heisman Trophy before the Alabama game, but it turns out he’s not even a finalist. Fournette did not receive an invitation to be in New York City, when the Heisman will be handed out on Saturday. Coach Les Miles says the cancelling of the McNeese game hurt Fournette’s chances…

Cut 10 (11) “that night” 

Even though Fournette played one less game than scheduled, he still broke the LSU single season rushing record by compiling 1,741 yards on the ground. Miles says while Fournette is not a Heisman finalist, he still had one heck of a year

cut 11 (10) “for anybody”

Miles says not winning the Heisman or finishing as a Heisman finalist will likely motivate Fournette to have an even better year next season

Cut 12 (02) “bit differently”

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Governor-elect John Bel Edwards announces Lt. Governor Jay Dardenne as the Commissioner of Administration and Kimberly Lewis Robinson as Secretary of Revenue. Edwards says he chose Dardenne for the positon, because of his history in the legislature and knowledge on how to balance the state budget.

Cut 13 (09)  “and honest”

Edwards says Dardenne will make sure that we propose and pass a budget that is truly worthy of the people of Louisiana. He says Robinson is a talented professional who understands the serious budget problems and can simplify our current tax structure.

Cut 14 (09) “the administration”

Dardenne, who ran for governor and finished fourth the primary, endorsed Edwards over Senator David Vitter in the runoff. He says his endorsement of Edwards had nothing to do with him getting this post. The Lt. Governor says he will work as hard as he can to act responsibly.

Cut 15  (11) “of Louisiana” 

 Dardenne says up until Edwards called him to think about the position, he was ready to retire but this is a challenge he was willing to accept.

Cut 16  (11)  “the solution”

Nominations for the 58th Grammy Awards have been announced and Louisiana is well represented.  Eric Gill reports…

CUT 1 (29)  “I’m Eric Gill”

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Republican US Representative John Fleming has officially announced he will run for the US Senate seat that’s being vacated by David Vitter. Jeff Palermo has the story…

CUT 2 (29)  “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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The Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate last week’s murder of a 56-year-old woman in Bourg. Capt. Dawn Foret says Pamela Johnson was found dead of a gunshot wound last Tuesday and the two children she was caring for were kidnapped by the shooter. Foret says they now have a description of the alleged shooter…

CUT 3 (09)  “years of age”

Foret says the suspect fled in Johnson’s gray Buick Enclave and abandoned the vehicle in west Houma between 6:15 and 6:30 last Monday evening. The two girls were left inside the vehicle overnight and asked for help Tuesday morning. Since that is a busy traffic time in the area, Foret says they are asking for the public’s help…

CUT 4 (10)  “contact us”

The TPSO is also investigating four recent heroin overdoses in the parish that have resulted in two deaths. Foret says an arrest warrant is out for 27-year-old Shantelle White in connection with the overdose death of 35-year-old Christy Hurst…

CUT 5 (11)  “overdose deaths”

White is a 5’2″ 120 pound white female with brown/blond hair. Foret says they are trying to determine if these overdose victims received their heroine from the same source. She says investigators are also looking into the death of 28-year-old Terry Braud of Shriever was found dead of an apparent heroin overdose Thursday…

CUT 6 (07) “contact with”

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Louisiana Tech is heading to the R-and-L Carriers New Orleans Bowl where the Bulldogs will play Arkansas State on December 19th. It’s only the second time in school history that Tech will appear in back-to-back bowl games and its the Bulldogs first appearance in the New Orleans Bowl. Coach Skip Holtz is looking forward to the game…

CUT 7 (06)  “get too”

Louisiana Tech brings an 8-4 record to the bowl game, while Arkansas State has won its last eight consecutive games. Holtz says he’s impressed with what he’s seen from the Red Wolves…

CUT 8 (11)  “football games”

Holtz says to represent Louisiana Tech in only its eighth bowl game in school history is certainly something our players are really excited about…

CUT 9 (09)  “in New Orleans”

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Governor-elect John Bel Edwards announced his transition committee for healthcare today and says expanding Medicare is one of his top priorities. State Treasurer John Kennedy estimates it will cost about 1.5 billion dollars to add 300-thousand new people to Medicaid and he hopes the state will negotiate some terms that other states have in place…

cut 10 (06)  “percent of it”

Kennedy also suggests giving incentives to patients to live a healthier lifestyle, like quitting smoking and losing weight. He also says we should require a small co-pay for visiting doctors’ offices.

Cut 11 (10) “or hospital”

Kennedy says another idea to keep down Medicaid costs is requiring able-bodied recipients to take job training courses or get a job. He says none of these solutions are radical and hopes the administration considers these ideas to save us a lot of money.

cut 12 (10)  “anything else”

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US Representative John Fleming has made it official. The republican from Minden has announced his candidacy for US Senate, as he’ll seek the seat that David Vitter is giving up. Fleming made his announcement with a posting on youtube

cut 13 (13)  “United States Senate”

Fleming says he wants to work on legislation to fight terrorism, remove Obamacare and help small businesses grow. Fleming has served in the US House since 2009 and is expected to be one of several prominent republicans to be on the ballot next fall

cut 14 (07)  “is possible” 

ULM political science professor Joshua Stockley says Fleming is a strong candidate that will  have a good chance at replacing Vitter as Senator

cut 15 (10)  “if you will”

Stockley says expects a large field of candidates to run…

cut 16 (13)  “John Kennedy”

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries has received 11 new whooping cranes to be released into the wild in a couple of weeks. Emelie Gunn has more…

CUT 1 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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A UNO Philosophy Professor has received a grant to study alternatives to incarceration. Eric Gill reports…

Cut 2 (29) “I’m Eric Gill”

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Those looking to give hoverboards as a gift this holiday season need to be wary as they’re known to burst into flames.  Jeff Palermo reports…

Cut 3 (29) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries has received 11 young whooping cranes to be released at White Lake Wetlands Conservation Area. Spokesperson Bo Boehringer says the population will increase to 46 with the addition of 8 females and 3 males. He says they’re working to create a flock that is able to survive in the wild.

cut 4  (10)  “adult birds”

Boehringer says they’ve experienced some hardships since the project began six years ago, like illnesses and birds being illegally shot. But he’s optimistic with hard work the whooping crane population will increase and flourish.

Cut 5  (10)  “success process”

Boehringer says biologists predict that a successful hatch with the whooping cranes is in the near future. He says once the birds start to reproduce on their own, they hope to have over 100 mating pairs.

Cut 6 (08)  “the population”

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A UNO Philosophy Professor has received a grant to study alternatives to incarceration. The US leads the world, on a per capita basis, in incarceration and Louisiana incarcerates more people per capita than any other state in the nation. Professor Chris Suprenant (SIR-pruh-nont) says the grant will help them study America’s approach to punishment…

CUT 7 (06)  “of punishment”

Suprenant says the project will consider under what conditions incarceration is legitimate and should be implemented. He says the goal of punishment is to deter bad behavior from happening again. Suprenant says locking people up doesn’t always achieve the desired goal…

Cut 8  (06)  “as a society”

The grant, from the Charles Koch Foundation, will fund an academic conference and studies related to the topic. Suprenant says they will look at other forms of punishment that are currently being used or have been used historically…

Cut 9 (10) “realizing justice”

______________________________________

The highly sought after “hoverboard” is on the top of many children’s Christmas wish lists, but these self-balancing, motorized scooters have been known to burst into flames. State Fire Marshal Butch Browning says read up on these devices before purchasing one…

Cut 10 (10) “laboratory” 

Browning says in November, a Lafitte resident was harmed by a fire started from an exploding “hoverboard,” but events like this are happening all over the country. He advises buyers to read the operation manual before using the device.

cut 11 (10) “recommendations”

Browning says not all hoverboards are unsafe, because some are properly tested. He says the highest risk of fire is when the device is charging.

Cut 12 (09) “the battery”

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It looks as though a stiff competition is brewing in the race to be Louisiana’s next Speaker of the House. Governor-elect John Bel Edwards is backing New Orlreans Democratic Representative Walt Leger. Conservatives are working to drum up support for Republican Representative Cameron Henry of Metairie to lead the lower chamber. LaPolitics.com publisher Jeremy Alford:

Cut 13 (13)  “for confrontation”

Some are wondering if this battle could be a sign of what’s to come when lawmakers convene for a special session in February to address the budget issue. Alford says these kinds of leadership struggles always take place in the months leading up to a session, but this time the mainstream media is paying attention…:

Cut 14 (08) “elected”

The election occurs January 11th. Alford says the House votes on their choice for speaker or they end up with a single candidate, but they have
never gone against the governor’s choice…:

Cut 15  (06) “historic” 

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The 20th ranked LSU Tigers will play Texas Tech in the 10th annual Advocare V-100 Texas Bowl on December 29th in Houston. Coach Les Miles is excited about the bowl invite…

Cut 16  (18)  “for us”

The Red Raiders are ranked second nationally in offense, averaging almost 600 yards per game and 47 points a contest. Miles says it will be a good test for the Tigers defense.

Cut 17 (19) “match-up”

LSU’s players will have this week off as they final exams. The coaches are busy recruiting. Miles was asked if offensive coordinator Cam Cameron would return next season and Miles says he’s not contemplating any changes

Cut 18 (14) “…execute it”

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The Saints nearly handed Carolina its first loss of the season, but Panthers quarterback Cam Newton threw five touchdown passes to help the NFC South champs escape the Big Easy with a 41-38 victory. Saints QB Drew Brees threw three touchdown passes in the hard fought defeat…

Cut 19 (15) “that one”

Carolina improved to 12-0 with the win, while the Saints fell to 4-8 as they’ve now lost four straight. With four more games left in the regular season, Brees wants the team to forget about its record….

Cut 20 (21) “playing at”

Governor-elect John Bel Edwards has formed a higher education transition committee to make policy recommendations on ways to improve Louisiana’s colleges and universities. Jeff Palermo reports…:

CUT 1 (29)  “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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As many holiday parties kick off this weekend, there are some etiquette tips to make sure you follow when attending. Eric Gill has more…

CUT 2 (28)  “I’m Eric Gill”

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Governor-elect John Bel Edwards has formed a higher education transition committee to make policy recommendations on ways to improve Louisiana’s colleges and universities. Edwards says he wants the state put more money into higher ed and also make it more affordable for students to go to college. CABLE President Barry Erwin is on the committee…:

CUT 3 (09)  “regional average”

Erwin says Edwards is seeking more of a balance between tuition investment and state investment than we have right now, which will be a challenge. He says the committee will be working to try to identify where changes can be made in the higher ed budget itself…:

CUT 4 (06)  “perhaps”

Erwin says part of their job will be to try to find how they can pump more dollars out of existing funds into scholarships or grants aimed to help lower income students. He says that’s a tall order because after 7 straight years of cuts, they are down to the bone…:

CUT 5 (10)  “can get rid of”

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This weekend kicks off holiday office parties. Tulane Business Professor Dr. Mark Rosa says these parties are put together by the company to show thanks to the employees during the holiday season for their hard work. He says there are some etiquette reminders to follow when attending a party with your bosses and co-workers.

CUT 6 (10) “of dress”

Rosa says employees don’t have to spend a lengthy time but dropping by to say hello and thanks to your co-workers is a nice gesture. He says holiday parties are an extension of the workplace, so make sure you limit your alcohol intake.

CUT 7 (10)  “at night”

Rosa says any work gathering is an extension of the work place. He advises all employees, especially managers and supervisors, to watch their behavior at a holiday work party.

CUT 8 (04)  “like professionals”

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A state judge has dismissed the lawsuit filed by the Tangipahoa Parish School System on behalf of Amite High School in an effort to lift the football team’s suspension from the Class 3A playoffs. The LHSAA removed the Amite team from the playoffs after a bench clearing brawl broke out in their quarterfinal win. Legal analyst Tim Meche says he’s not surprised by Judge WIlliam Morvant’s decision…

CUT 9 (09)  “get involved”

In his dismissal of the lawsuit, Judge Morvant says the court has no jurisdiction to second guess a private organization’s decision. Meche says typically courts around the country have consistently deferred getting involved in matters of high school athletics…

cut 10 (11)  “the case here”

The decision means that St. James High will automatically advance to the Class 3A championship game. Meche says the school system can appeal the decision, but Tangipahoa Parish School System attorney Chris Moody says the legal battle is over…

Cut 11 (07) “young men”

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A jury in Ouachita Parish handed down a guilty verdict to the man accused of shooting at two Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries agents. In the May 21st incident, 32-year-old Sgt. Scott Bullitt was shot while on patrol on the Russell Sage Wildlife Management Area. LDWF spokesman Adam Einck says the jury handed down the guilty verdict to 29-year-old Luke Hust after about four hours of deliberation…

cut 12 (09)  “convicted felon”

Hust was convicted on two counts of attempted first degree murder and a count of illegal possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. A sentencing hearing is scheduled for February 11th. Einck says not much of a defense was offered during the trial and Hust never took the stand…

cut 13 (08)  “conviction charge”

Hust’s attorney says he will appeal the convictions. Sgt. Bullitt continues to rehab from his injuries. Einck says LDWF is satisfied with the verdict and thanks everyone involved in getting these convictions…

cut 14 (06)  “of the law” 

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A national credit reporting agency says Louisiana has multiple challenges ahead, as much of the Jindal Administration’s plan to solve the $487 million midyear shortfall are only temporary fixes. Fitch ratings says stop-gap measures were used that do not address the state’s persistent budget problems. State Treasurer John Kennedy says this is a warning shot:

cut 15 (07)  “credit rating”

Kennedy says if Louisiana’s credit rating is lowered, tax payers will have to dish out more when the state borrows money to build roads, bridges and restore our coastline. He says Fitch anticipates Governor-elect John Bel Edwards and lawmakers will get the state’s fiscal house in order. Kennedy says a drop in our credit rating would be a blow to the state’s status.:

cut 16 (13)  “to come here”

LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center is undergoing a study to see if active video games can help improve health in overweight and obese children. Emelie Gunn has more…

CUT 1 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Today a state judge will hear the case regarding the LHSAA’s decision to remove the Amite football team from the Class 3A playoffs following a bench clearing brawl in their quarterfinal win over Bogalusa. Jeff Palermo reports…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Democrat New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu announces he will not run for the US Senate in 2016. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (28) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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 LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center is studying whether active video games can help improve health, especially in overweight children. Pennington Assistant Professor Dr. Amanda Staiano says they’re launching the Game Squad study to see if some active games can get kids off the couch and moving. She says boys and girls ages 10 to 12 will be part of the study for six months.

cut 4  (11)  “lose weight”

 Staiano says they want the kids to play the games three times a week and the goal is to get them active for at least an hour a day. She says she’s optimistic the study will prove to be effective and there are a variety of games to keep your children interested.

Cut 5  (08)  “family activity”

Staiano says if you want your child to be a part of the study, call (225) 763-3000 to see if they qualify. She says when you play active games, you’re working up a sweat and raising your heart rate, which is exercise.

Cut 6 (10)  “children’s health”

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Today, a state judge will hear the lawsuit seeking to reverse the Louisiana High School Athletic Association’s decision to remove the Amite football team from the Class 3A playoffs following a bench clearing brawl in their quarterfinal win over Bogalusa. LHSAA Executive Director Eddie Bonine says sportsmanship rules clearly state that players who leave the bench area during a fight are automatically suspended for the next game…

CUT 7 (09)  “our state”

If the LHSAA’s ruling stands, St. James will advance to the Three-A title game to face the winner of Friday night’s semifinal contest between West Feliciana and Lutcher. Tangipahoa School system attorney Chris Moody argues that many Amite players left the sidelines because they had just scored a touchdown and the team was preparing to kick the extra point. Bonine is skeptical of that explanation…

Cut 8  (08)  “extra point”

The hearing is scheduled to begin at 9:30. Bonine is quick to point out that this entire situation is unfair to St. James High as they prepare for a game that may or may not happen tonight…

Cut 9 (09) “on Friday”

______________________________________

 Louisiana ranks 5^th for the worst drivers in the country. That’s according to the website Car-Insurance-Comparison-dot-com, who says Louisiana is the worst state when it comes to obeying traffic signals. State Police Trooper Melissa Matey says Louisiana also has a problem with drunk drivers, as 42-percent of fatal crashes are due to drinking and driving.

Cut 10 (09) “the wheel”

Matey says another reason Louisiana could have some of the worst drivers is because many people drive on a suspended driver’s license, which is against the law. She says it’s required that everyone in the vehicle be buckled up and troopers often see people not wearing a seatbelt in the back seat.

cut 11 (10) “seating positions”

 Matey says often times speeding is linked to fatal crashes in Louisiana. She advises drivers to maintain the speed limit to stay as safe as possible.

Cut 12 (08) “regain control”

_____________________________________

Democrat New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu announces he will not run for Senator David Vitter’s senate seat. Landrieu, who is in his second term as mayor, says his work in the Crescent City is not yet done. Jeremy Alford, publisher of lapolitics.com says there are several democrats that could run, like former Congressman and US Attorney Don Cazayoux

Cut 13 (10)  “Gary Smith”

Alford says Public Service Commissioner Foster Campbell is another possibble 2016 democratic senate candidate. He says it helps that Campbell is close to Governor-Elect John Bel Edwards…

Cut 14 (09) “and months”

Several republicans are also looking at a Senate run next year, including Charles Boustany, John Fleming, John Kennedy and Scott Angelle. Alford says democrats are looking to capitalize on Edwards surprise victory in the governor’s race…

Cut 15  (09) “in 2016” 

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Grambling State goes after its first SWAC title since 2011 when they take on Alcorn State University in Houston Saturday. The Tigers have come along since winning just one game in 2013. Broderick Fobbs took over as head coach in 2014 and one of the first things he did was to show he cares about the players

Cut 16  (18)  “comes to anything”

 G-S-U defeated Alcorn State earlier this year 35-34. Fobbs anticipates another great game….

Cut 17 (11) “puts in place”

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The Saints are a touchdown underdog heading into Sunday’s matchup with undefeated Carolina. New Orleans Quarterback Drew Brees says they’ll have to execute at a high level to beat the Panthers…

Cut 18 (14) “…good execution”

The Saints are mired in a three-game losing streak and they are out of the playoff picture. Brees says they have to stop making the mistakes that keep them from winning…

Cut 19 (17) “that around”

Governor-elect John Bel Edwards has named Democratic Public Service Commissioner Foster Campbell as the co-chair of his transition committee looking at the state’s budget problems. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 1 (27)  “I’m Eric Gill”

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The City of Alexandria kicks off their first ever AlexWinterFete and hopes people from all over will come out to experience the festival. Emelie Gunn has more…

CUT 2 (30)  “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Governor-elect John Bel Edwards says he plans to issue an executive order with the intent of protecting gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender state workers and contractors from unfair treatment and discrimination. Edwards says this directive will not be something new to Louisiana…

CUT 3 (08)  “were governors”

Former Democratic Governors Edwin Edwards and Kathleen Blanco signed similar decrees to protect LGBT state workers from harassment when they were in office. Edwards stated during his campaign that he would issue such an order if elected and it appears the Governor-elect plans on following through…

CUT 4 (03)  “to do”

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Governor-elect John Bel Edwards has named Democratic Public Service Commissioner Foster Campbell as the co-chair of his transition committee that will take a look at the state’s budget problems. Campbell says the committee members definitely have their work cut out for them…

CUT 5 (10)  “stands today”

Former inspector general and assistant legislative auditor Sharon Robinson will serve with Campbell as co-chair of the committee. Campbell says the committee’s task is to find solutions for the state’s budget deficit…

CUT 6 (11) “the situation”

He says this committee is truly bipartisan with members representing all walks of life across the state. Campbell says there are a lot of good people on this committee and believes they are ready to do right by Louisiana…

CUT 7 (09)  “to recovery”

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The City of Alexandria kicks off their first annual Alex Winter Fete today. The three day winter festival will take place in downtown Alexandria. Director of Community Services Daniel Williams says tonight will start out with a visit from Santa and a variety of street performers.

CUT 8 (08)  “the tree”

Williams says Saturday will be a full day of activities with bands on the main stage, as well as, a carnival aspect with food vendors everywhere. He says the biggest attraction for the festival is an ice skating rink, which will be open in the evenings.

CUT 9 (08)  “to 11:30″

Williams says Saturday there will be an Ugly Christmas Sweater 5-K run and an ugly sweater contest immediately following the run. He expects a lot of people to come out to Alex Winter Fete, especially because of the free ice skating rink.

cut 10 (09)  “a staple”

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LSU President F. King Alexander says the final decision on whether or not to keep Les Miles as head coach wasn’t made until after halftime of the Texas A&M game according to business-report-dot-com. Alexander says the cost of the buyout and the show of public support for Miles went into the decision. Tiger Rag Editor Cody Worsham says Miles went into that game not knowing his job status…:

Cut 11 (11) “found out”

The cost of Miles buyout was going to be paid by private donors, but Worsham says Alexander made it clear that the PR hit would have been tremendous either way…:

cut 12 (07)  “that matters”

Worsham says even though Miles gets to keep his job for now, it’s likely the fate of the Mad Hatter is still in limbo because the decision was made for political reasons. He says, looking ahead, Governor-elect John Bel Edwards has promised to fund higher education with more state money..:

cut 13 (10)  “this year”

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A report from the national Mental Health Association shows Louisiana as a state with among the highest occurrences of mental illness and the lowest rates to access to care. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 1 (29) “I’m Eric Gill”

______________________________________

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has unveiled new rules for catfish. Michelle Southern reports…:

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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 Governor-elect John Bel Edwards spoke at the Council for a Better Louisiana’s annual luncheon and discussed future plans for his administration. Emelie Gunn has more…..

Cut 3 (29) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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A report from the national Mental Health Association shows Louisiana as a state with among the highest occurrences of mental illness and the lowest rates to access to care. The Bayou State ranks 47th on their 2015 list. Brittany Howard, Director of Mental Health America of Louisiana, says Governor-elect John Bel Edwards’ plan for Medicaid expansion gives them hope that these numbers improve…

cut 4  (09)  “access to care”

She says Medicaid expansion will improve access to the needy across the state who require care. But Howard says Medicaid expansion is just one part of the puzzle. She says lawmakers need to be educated more on the importance of access to health care…

Cut 5  (07)  “to succeed”

She says mental illness has developed a stigma due to it being associated to several mass shooting that have occurred around the country. Howard says they need to change that mindset because mental illness rarely turns violent and there is really nothing to be afraid of…

Cut 6 (10)  “anyone else”

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The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has unveiled new rules for catfish. The mandate requires stricter inspection standards for the product before it can be sold as food. Chad Causey with The Catfish Institute says they applaud the implementation of the program by the USDA because it’s another step in making food safer…:

CUT 7 (11)  “healthy product”

Causey says the rule will require both US farmers and countries exporting catfish to the US to meet safety standards set by USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service in a similar fashion to meat and poultry producers. He says catfish at grocery stores will have the stamp to let consumers know that the product has been inspected and passed by the USDA…:

Cut 8  (05)  “contaminants”

The rules go into effect in 90 days. Critics of the inspection standards say the rules will place a burden on the seafood industry and are designed to protect US catfish farmers from overseas competition. But Causey says the rules are the same across the board and if catfish imports are safe and free of contaminants, it will be allowed to come in…:

Cut 9 (09) “restaurant tables”

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The US House is expected to vote today on a transportation bill that would provide Louisiana an additional 100-million dollars a year in federal highway dollars. Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves helped craft the legislation and he says the bill also provides states with grant opportunities to help pay for major transportation improvements in south Louisiana

Cut 10 (09) “I-12″

Graves says the legislation also has a language in it that would help state and local governments interface traffic management with cell phones, Google and Waze maps…

cut 11 (11) “existing roadways”

Graves was a conferee during negotiations between the House and Senate over the final details of this five-year highway funding bill. He says there are some provisions in this legislation that are biased towards to Louisiana to help improve traffic flow…

Cut 12 (09) “by the day”

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Governor-elect John Bel Edwards previews what his administration will seek to do over the next four years. He spoke at the Council for a Better Louisiana’s annual luncheon. Edwards says he will continue to act on his promises made during his campaign and be as bi-partisan as possible to solve the state’s problems.

Cut 13 (11)  “political spectrum”

During the 17 minute speech, Edwards hinted at making changes to the state’s accountability system for public education. He wonders if our students are taking too many standardized tests.

Cut 14 (10) “too many things”

Even though Edwards spoke before a group of business leaders, he expressed his wish for equal pay between men and women and a higher wage for the state’s poorest workers.

Cut 15  (09) “kid or two” 

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A very frustrating season for the ULM Warhawks comes to a close this Saturday when they host New Mexico State in the regular season finale. ULM has lost ten in a row and interim head coach John Mumford says getting a win for the seniors on Saturday is important…

Cut 16  (16)  “right way”

ULM’s last win was on September 12th against Nicholls State. The latest defeat came this past Saturday as they fell to Hawaii 28-26. Mumford admits the losing has taken its toll

Cut 17 (17) “winning games”

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The Ragin Cajuns regular season finale is Saturday as they host Troy. At 4-7, UL Lafayette still has an outside shot of getting a bowl bid, because there’s not enough bowl eligible teams and the NCAA will alow teams with a 5-7 record to go to a bowl. Coach Hudspeth says a team with a losing record doesn’t deserve to go to a bowl, but they would still accept an invite

Cut 18 (16) “….give ya”

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The Saints welcome the 11-0 Carolina Panthers to the Mercedes Benz Superdome for a 3:25 kickoff this Sunday. Panthers quarterback Cam Newton is having an MVP type season as he’s thrown for 24-hundred yards and 20 touchdowns. Coach Sean Payton says Newton is generating a lot of big plays…

Cut 19 (18) “poised and confident”

The Saints are 4-and-7 and the playoffs look like a longshot. Payton dismisses the idea that handing Carolina its first loss of the season would make their season

Cut 20 (18) “is on”

Governor-elect John Bel Edwards has publicly endorsed New Orleans Democrat Walt Leger as the next state Speaker of the House. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 1 (28)  “I’m Eric Gill”

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The Amite high school football team has been ousted from the playoffs by the LHSAA. Jeff Palermo has more…

CUT 2 (30)  “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Governor-elect John Bel Edwards has publicly endorsed New Orleans Democrat Walt Leger as the next state Speaker of the House. Edwards spoke about the Speaker position at a joint news conference with Governor Bobby Jindal…

CUT 3 (09)  “young man”

Leger currently serves as Speaker Pro Tempore of the Louisiana House. Current House Speaker, Republican Chuck Kleckley of Lake Charles, is leaving the House due to term limits. The Governor-elect feels Leger has proven his willingness and talent in working with Republicans…

CUT 4 (09)  “in Louisiana”

Although Republicans hold a majority of state House seats, the governor has traditionally played a big role in the selection of the Speaker. Edwards believes Leger’s ability to work across the isle will reinforce the Governor-elect’s bipartisan approach to state government…

CUT 5 (06)  “effective legislature”

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Governor Bobby Jindal says the letter from the White House indicating the state would start getting detailed information about the Syrian refugees resettling in Louisiana, is not good enough. President Obama’s Chief of Staff says a monthly report will be provided to governors with refugees entering their state. Jindal says the response is not up to par…:

CUT 6 (10) “into our state”

The letter also said the federal government’s vetting of refugees is “the most robust screening process for anyone coming into the US.” But Jindal feels the state should get details about those escaping the Syrian civil war before they come to Louisiana to resettle, not after…:

CUT 7 (09)  “being placed here”

Jindal says he’s calling on Congress to stop the Obama Administration from allowing the Syrian refugee operation to continue in the United States…:

CUT 8 (06)  “of our security”

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State Police say a shooting at the Morehouse Parish Courthouse has left one man dead. Trooper Michael Reichardt says 42-year-old Keith Atkins was in court for a hearing when the incident happened…

CUT 9 (06)  “committed suicide”

He says, during a scuffle, Atkins took a bailiff’s gun and committed suicide. It has been reported that Atkins was in jail on kidnapping and drug charges stemming from a February arrest. Reichardt says the situation was over rather quickly…

cut 10 (04)  “that was it”

No one else was injured in the incident. The State Police investigation is ongoing. Reichardt says the public was never in any real danger…

Cut 11 (07) “to the public”

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The Louisiana High School Athletic Association executive committee has removed the Amite football team from the Class 3A playoffs as a result of a benches clearing fight that erupted in a quarterfinal victory over Bogalusa. Tangipahoa School system attorney Chris Moody says they’ve filed a suit and hope a state judge reverses what he calls a “harsh” decision

cut 12 (07)  “next year”

LHSAA’s sportsmanship rules say that players who leave the bench area during a fight are automatically suspended for the next game. But Moody argues many players left the sidelines because the Warriors had just scored a touchdown and the team was preparing to kick the extra point…

cut 13 (06)  “to fight”

If the LHSAA’s ruling stands, St. James advances to the Three-A title game where they’ll play the winner of Friday night’s semifinal contest between West Feliciana and Lutcher. Moody says they believe the LHSAA’s punishment doesn’t fit what happened towards the end of the game

cut 14 (11)  “next game” 

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Corrected to show the time change on voicer 2 is 27 seconds, not 30.

Today starts the three day qualifying period for presidential candidates to get on the March 5^th primary ballot for Louisiana. Emelie Gunn has more…

CUT 1 (29) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Governor Bobby Jindal and Governor-elect John Bel Edwards met in Baton Rouge Tuesday to discuss the plans to transition from one administration to another. Michelle Southern reports…:

Cut 2 (27) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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 LSU will find out its bowl destination this week. Jeff Palermo looks at the possibilities…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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After some unseasonably warm temperatures over the Thanksgiving holiday, cooler temperatures are in store for the Bayou State. State Climatologist Barry Keim says a cold front moved through the state Tuesday, bringing cooler air for the next few days. He says frontal overrunning weather conditions are affecting much of the state today….

cut 4  (09)  “all day”

He says you can expect clouds and scattered showers across much of the state today with temperatures mostly in the 50s. Keim says skies should begin clearing tonight, bringing chilly temperatures to Louisiana Thursday…

Cut 5  (10)  “the state”

He says some areas of the state will see low temperatures in the 30s for the next couple of days. Keim says these cooler conditions will be short lived…

Cut 6 (08)  “beautiful out”

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Today begins a three day qualifying period for candidates to sign up and get on the ballot for Louisiana’s March 5^th Presidential Primary Election. Political Analyst Clancy Dubois says since Louisiana’s presidential primary falls a few days after “Super Tuesday,” Louisiana will not have a strong say on who the parties will nominate.

CUT 7 (07)  “many delegates”

Secretary of State Tom Schedler expects most of the candidates to qualify by mail or sending a representative to his office to qualify. Dubos says the two Republican frontrunners are Donald Trump and Ben Carson and predicts that nomination process will be very competitive.

Cut 8  (09)  “could change”

Republican Presidential candidate Marco Rubio is bringing his campaign to New Orleans today and candidate Jeb Bush began assembling a campaign team in the state soon after Gov. Bobby Jindal dropped out of the race. Dubos says we’re seeing more interest on the Republican side because that race is more closely contested.

Cut 9 (06) “the nominee”

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Governor Bobby Jindal and Governor-elect John Bel Edwards met in Baton Rouge Tuesday to discuss the plans to transition from one administration to another. Edwards will be sworn into office on January 11th. At the Governor’s Mansion, Jindal said the two met for about an hour..:

Cut 10 (07) “as possible”

Jindal, a Republican, says they’ve told the Edwards team that they have full access to the cabinet officials, agency heads and any other information the Democratic Governor-elect may need… :

cut 11 (09) “over an hour”

Edwards thanked Jindal for being so open with information and says he believes the transition is going very smoothly. He says there is a lot of work to be done in a short period of time…:

Cut 12 (11) “cooperation”

Edwards says one of the best parts of our democracy is transitioning of power…:

Cut 13 (11)  “done that”

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We’ll find out this weekend which bowl game LSU will play in this year. Jerry Palm makes bowl projections for cbs-sports-dot-com and Palm says LSU could play in a bowl game in Florida or the Texas Bowl in Houston, but it’s hard to predict because the league office has a big say on bowl assignments

Cut 14 (10) “sorts of things”

There’s been some speculation that LSU could play Miles’ alma mater, Michigan, in the Citrus Bowl. Palm says the Sugar Bowl in New Orleans will likely feature Baylor and the loser of the SEC Championship game between Alabama and Florida, even though Ole Miss fans think they are going to the Sugar…

Cut 15  (06) “if Florida loses” 

Palm says Louisiana Tech could play in the R-and-L Carriers New Orleans Bowl. He says Southern Miss could be the other option from Conference USA to play a school from the Sun Belt…

Cut 16  (11)  “Liberty Bowl”