The Louisiana Attorney General’s Office reminds shoppers to stay safe and shop smart this holiday season. Jeff Palermo reports…

CUT 1 (31) “reporting”

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Black Friday is here and shoppers are crowding stores looking to find that great deal for their holiday shopping. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (32) “reporting”

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The Louisiana Attorney General’s Office reminds shoppers to stay safe and shop smart this holiday season. Director of the Public Protection Division, Sam Pleasant, says you should be on the lookout for holiday shopping scams. She says it’s very important to protect your identity…

Cut 3 (12) “legitimate retailer”

She says it’s important to keep your card and PIN number from prying eyes while you are out shopping. Pleasant says you should be very aware of suspicious looking point of sale terminals or scanning devices…

Cut 4  (12)  “gain your information”

She says review your financial statements and documents frequently for unusual discrepancies. Pleasant says if you plan on doing some holiday shopping online, be aware of look-a-like or phony websites. Pleasant says you should make sure you are on the proper website before purhasing anything online…

Cut 5  (11)  “click on those”

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Black Friday is here and shoppers are crowding stores looking to find that great deal for their holiday shopping. Louisiana Tech Marketing Professor Berry Babin says you can expect blockbuster specials in stores this morning…

Cut 6 (12)  “a lot more blurred”

He says retailers are now offering Black Friday deals online, as well as in-store. Babin says electronics will still be a hot item this holiday season. However, he says some electronics experts say the sale of tablets will be down this year…

CUT 7 (09)  “a lot of people”

Retailers are optimistic that this holiday shopping season will be strong. Babin says, even though online shopping is increasing, you shouldn’t expect the Black Friday shopping crowds to go away anytime soon…

Cut 8 (07)  “love or hate” 

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Several metro areas in Louisiana are in jeopardy of not meeting the federal government’s new ozone standards. The U-S Environmental Protection Agency is lowering the acceptable amount of how much ozone pollution should be in the air. State Department of Environmental Quality spokesperson Greg Langley says it will force many industries and businesses to reduce their emissions

Cut 9 (07)  “will be expensive”

Governor Bobby Jindal says the new environmental regulations will kill jobs and increase energy prices. Langley says D-E-Q agrees with that assessment

Cut 10 (09) “to industry” 

But EPA administrator Gina McCarthy says lowering the standard will protect children and the elderly, who have trouble breathing because of ozone pollution. Langley says the new rules will take effect next October, but first there’s a 90-day comment period…

cut 11 (09)  “public input”

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One of the best stories in college football this season will get national attention on Saturday when the Grambling State Tigers try to complete their remarkable turnaround, by beating Southern in the Bayou Classic. With a win, the Tigers can win the SWAC Western Division after winning just two games in 2012 and 2013. First-year Coach Broderick Fobbs says despite some recent dark days at  Grambling, the winning tradition never left the school

cut 12 (12)  “the challenge”

The winner of Saturday’s game will represent the western division in the SWAC Championship. Southern is also 7-and-1 in the league as they’ve won six in a row. Fobbs has a lot of respect for Jaguars Head Coach Dawson Odums

Cut 13 (10)  “technically sound”

The Saints will look to snap their three-game losing streak on Sunday when they travel to Pittsburgh to take on the Steelers. Quarterback Drew Brees remains positive even though they haven’t won a game since October 30th

Cut 14 (10)  “first one first”

The Saints are tied with Atlanta for first in the NFC South, despite a 4-7 record. Brees says the opportunity to make the playoffs is great motivation…

Cut 15  (11)  “positive thing”

More and more restaurants are opening on Thanksgiving day giving people an additional dining option for their holiday festivities. Scott Carwile reports…

CUT 1 (26) “reporting”

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Louisiana will have a mobile pet shelter for future hurricane seasons. Scott Carwile has more…

Cut 2 (30) “reporting”

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Several stores are once again opening their doors tonight to get a jump start on the Holiday shopping season. Wal-mart, Best Buy, Sears and Target are just some of the retailers who will cut their Thanksgiving holiday short in the hopes of increasing revenues. LSU marketing professor Dan Rice is not sure this relatively new tradition will continue

Cut 3 (05) “an advantage”

Some retail analysts say opening on Thanksgiving Day doesn’t lead to an increase in sales. Rice says many shoppers and employees are not happy with it either

Cut 4  (05)  “work those hours”

But Rice says optimism is high among retailers that this will be a good holiday shopping season

Cut 5  (06)  “looks good”

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More and more restaurants are opening on Thanksgiving day giving people an additional dining option for their holiday festivities. Erica Burns, with the Louisiana Restaurant Association, says last year 33 million Americans went to a restaurant for all or part of their Thanksgiving meal. She thinks restaurants are open on Thanksgiving because of public demand…

Cut 6 (10)  “restaurant as well”

Burns says this is a trend that’s been growing over the last several years. Burns says a big advantage for eating out on Thanksgiving is that it allows for more time to be spent with your family…

CUT 7 (12)  “a clean house”

She says the Black Friday weekend is a big weekend for the restaurant industry. Burns says with stores now opening on Thanksgiving night, it just makes sense for restaurants to be open, too…

Cut 8 (10)    “for a meal” 

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The LSU Tigers take on Texas A-and-M tonight looking to avoid ending the regular season on a three-game losing streak. 1999 was the last time the Tigers lost three games in a row and Coach Les Miles says the players are committed to getting a win tonight

Cut 9 (09)  “and achieving”

Both of these teams enter tonight’s contest with identitcal records, seven and four overall, 3-and-4 in the SEC. Miles says it will be a challenge for his team to go to Kyle Field and play well

Cut 10 (12) “football team” 

LSU has won three straight over the Aggies. In the last two victories, the Tigers defense held quarterback Johnny Manziel in check. Tonight, A-and-M will start freshman Kyle Allen. Sophomore defensive tackle Christian LaCouture says putting pressure on Allen will be important

cut 11 (10)  “create havoc”

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Construction will begin next month on a mobile pet shelter that will be used for the 2015 hurricane season and beyond. The state department of agriculture is responsible for pet evacuations and Ag Commissioner Mike Strain says storm victims in the past have refused assistance unless their pets were accommodated

cut 12 (08)  “piece of equipment”  (2x)

Strain says they received a 40-thousand dollar donation which will go towards the construction of the mobile pet shelter, which will be about a 50-foot transport truck that’s outfitted with pet cages…

Cut 13 (09)  “move instantly”

As you get the kitchen ready to cook the family Thanksgiving feast, State Fire Marshal Butch Browning hopes safety is on your mind as well. Jeff Palermo has more…

CUT 1 (30) “reporting”

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Federal judges ruled this week that same sex marriage bans in Arkansas and Mississippi are unconstitutional. Jeff Palermo looks at where Louisiana stands on this issue

CUT 2 (30) “reporting”

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As you get the kitchen ready to cook the family Thanksgiving feast, State Fire Marshal Butch Browning hopes safety is on your mind, as well. Browning says it’s important that your stove and oven are clean and properly maintained. He says once you begin cooking, you should attend to that cooking…

CUT 3 (09)  “on the stove”

Browning says unattended pots on the stove is the cause of many kitchen fires during Thanksgiving. He says, as friends and family gather, make sure you pay attention to kids playing in the kitchen…

CUT 4 (07)  “in these pots”

Browning says one specific hazard where they see a lot of house fires is the outdoor frying of turkeys. He says a main factor in fires involving fried turkeys is having your cooking apparatus too close to your home…

CUT 5 (07)  “evacuate the area”

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Mississippi and Arkansas are the latest states to have a federal judge rule their gay marriage bans violated the US Constitution. Those two rulings came down yesterday. But Loyola University law professor Dane Ciolino says Louisiana’s ban on same sex marriages is safe for now

CUT 6 (09)  “was constitutional”

U-S District Judge Martin Feldman in New Orleans upheld Louisiana’s gay marriage ban with a ruling he made in September. Ciolino says because there are conflicting rulings from various federal judges and appellate courts, the Supreme Court will be forced to make a ruling

CUT 7 (08) “resolve this”

Ciolino says rulings made in Louisiana, Mississippi and Arkansas have been or are in the process of being appealed to the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans. He says it’s likely that appellate court will rule against same-sex couples…

CUT 8 (11) “conservative bent”

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

Cleco is now offering its customers an energy efficiency program to help reduce their monthly energy use. Spokesperson Robbyn Cooper says the best way to manage your bill is to manage your energy consumption…

CUT 9 (12)  “their electricity bill”

The program is available to all of Cleco’s 284,000 customers in Louisiana. Cooper says there are many features to this program and more information can be found on Cleco’s website. She says the process will start with a free energy assessment…

CUT 10 (05)  “and save energy”

The assessment will show customers where they can make energy efficient improvements to their home. Cooper says that, if you need to have work done on your home to improve its energy efficiency, you can save by using one of Cleco’s approved contractors…

CUT 11 (07)  “is being done“

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

This weekend Louisiana highways will be filled with holiday travelers, shoppers or those heading to or returning from big college and high school football games. State Police Trooper Jared Sandifer is reminding motorists to make smart decisions behind the wheel

cut 12 (10) “holiday season”

Unfortunately, Sandifer says State Police has already investigated about a dozen fatal crashes since last weekend

cut 13 (07) “Thanksgiving holiday”

Sandifer says they are participating in the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission’s “Click or Ticket Campaign,” which means they’ll be looking for unbuckled drivers and passengers

cut 14 (06) “while impaired”

Replicas of Christopher Columbus’ ships, the Nina and Pinta, will be on display in Houma starting today. Scott Carwile reports…

CUT 1 (30) “reporting”

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The American Automobile Association says more than 46 million Americans will be hitting the road to celebrate Thanksgiving which is the most since 2007. Michelle Southern reports…:

Cut 2 (28) “reporting”

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The Food and Drug Administration announces new rules mandating chain restaurants and supermarkets serving prepared food put calorie counts on the menus. Jeff Palermo reports…:

Cut 3 (31) “reporting”

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Replicas of Christopher Columbus’ ships, the Nina and Pinta, will be on display in Houma starting today. The ships are floating museums educating the public on the type of ship that Columbus used during the age of discovery. Captain of the Nina, Stephen Sanger, says the ships attract people of all ages…

Cut 4  (07)  “on the weekend”

The ships will be on display through December 7th at the Downtown Marina in Houma. Sanger says both of these ships are Portuguese Caravels that were hand crafted in Brazil…

Cut 5  (07)  “through generations”

Both ships spend about 10 months out of the year traveling around the United States giving people a glimpse of what life was like for sailors in the 15th century. Sanger says while the Pinta is a slightly larger replica than the original, the Nina is an exact replica of Columbus’ ship…

Cut 6 (07)  “crossing in ’92″

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The American Automobile Association says more than 46 million Americans will be hitting the road to celebrate Thanksgiving which is the most since 2007. The travel days are defined as today through Sunday. AAA travel analyst Don Redman says they attribute this jump to an improving economy…:

CUT 7 (10)  “almost four years”

Redman says more than 90 percent of travelers will be doing so by vehicle. He says folks will be enjoying the lowest Thanksgiving gas prices in five years…:

Cut 8 (11)    “versus last year” 

Redman says the number of people traveling this year is also a 4.2% increase over last year. He says though gas prices are going to be lower, there are other travel expenses that are moderately higher this year over last year…:

Cut 9 (05)  “fly this year”

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The Food and Drug Administration announces new rules mandating chain restaurants and supermarkets serving prepared food put calorie counts on the menus. The regulation applies to any establishment that serves food, even movie theaters, and have 20 or more locations. Melissa Martin is the state Department of Health and Hospitals “Well-Ahead” manager.:

Cut 10 (13) “actually is” 

The rules also apply to gas stations, bakeries, coffee shops, amusement parks and vending machines and they all have until November 2015 to comply. Martin believes these new rules will help people make a more informed decision when they are ordering food and drinks…:

cut 11 (12)  “improved health”

Martin says menu labeling ensures customers process calorie information as they decide what to eat and drink. She feels this ruling will promote a healthier population…:

cut 12 (10)  “choosing to make”

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It maybe a tradition at your household to rinse the turkey before putting it in the oven for the Thanksgiving feast. But LSU AgCenter nutritionist Denise Holston-West advises against it. She says washing poultry or meat can spread bacteria

Cut 13 (10)  “the kitchen”

Holston-West also advises against having food out on the table for more than two hours…

Cut 14 (10)  “two hours”

Once the turkey is in the oven, use a food thermometer to make sure it cooks to 165-degrees. Holtston-West says the stuffing should be cooked in a separate caserole

Cut 15  (10)  “165-degrees”

_________________________________

With one game left in the regular season, the Ragin Cajuns are still in position to share the Sun Belt Conference Championship, despite their loss last week to Appalachian State. But UL Lafayette Coach Mark Hudspeth says they have to forget about that loss to the Mountaineers

Cut 16  (19)  “who we are”

For U-L Lafayette to claim at least a share of the Sun Belt title, they’ll need ULM to beat Georgia Southern on Saturday and the Cajuns will ned to knock off Troy. It’s the final game on the sidelines for longtime Trojans Coach Larry Blakeney. Hudspeth expects Troy to play hard for their coach

Cut 17  (15)   “offensive line”

U-L-M is looking to close out the 2014 campaign with back-to-back wins, but it won’t be easy against a Georgia Southern team that leads the country in rushing yards per game. Warhawks Coach Todd Berry says Eagles Quarterback Kevin Ellison does a good job of directing their triple-option offense…

Cut 18 (17) “a long way”

The Warhawks snapped a six-game losing streak with a win over New Mexico State last week. Berry says it says a lot about his team that they want to finish the season strong, even though they didn’t win enough games to qualify for a bowl game

Cut 19 (21)   “the road”

A Moreauville family is fighting the town that is trying to enact a ban on vicious dogs. Eric Gill has the story…

CUT 1 (31) “reporting”

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The Destrehan High School teacher involved in a sex scandal with a 16-year-old student pleads not guilty today. Michelle Southern reports.

CUT 2 (29) “reporting”

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A Moreauville family is fighting the town that is trying to enact a ban on vicious dogs. Joanna Armand, whose family owns a pit bull named Zeus, is fighting to lift that ban. Armand began an online petition and it has already generated over 245,000 signatures. She’s also reaching out to dog owners in Moreauville and Avoyelles Parish…

CUT 3 (10)  “or huskies”

Moreauville passed an ordinance banning pit bulls and rottweilers from town limits. If the ban goes into effect, the family would be forced to give up one-year-old Zeus, who has no history of aggressive behavior. Armand says giving up Zeus would devastate her family since the dog provides love and support for four of her children who have special needs…

CUT 4 (10)  “their helper”

Armand calls Zeus a “Mom’s Helper” for the role he has taken with her children. It’s reported the ordinance was passed because several residents said they were chased by dogs in neighborhoods, although no attacks have been documented. The ban was to go into effect December 1, but that date has been put on hold. Armand feels the town handled this situation in the wrong way…

CUT 5 (09)  “of Moreauville”

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

The riots in Ferguson, Missouri, over the decision by a grand jury not to indict a white police officer in the fatal shooting of an unarmed black teenager has caught the attention of many people in Louisiana. Dialogue on Race Louisiana C-E-O Maxine Crump says the civil unrest is a sign America still has a long way to go to removing color barriers

CUT 6 (07)  “undone”

Crump does not condone the burning of businesses, which occurred last night in Ferguson. But she says these type of emotional outbursts will continue unless America does more to make sure discrimination is no longer a part of our society

CUT 7 (10) “our future”

There are at least three vigils or rallies planned for tonight in Louisiana in response to the grand jury’s decision not to indict police officer Darren Wilson in the shooting death of Michael Brown. Crump says these events can be positive and a way for people to peacefully express how they feel

CUT 8 (11) “for this country”

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

The Saints dropped their third consecutive home game last night losing to the Baltimore Ravens 34-20. The loss puts the Black & Gold at 4-7 on the season. Head coach Sean Payton says the team needs to play better, but the coaches also need to coach better moving forward…

CUT 9 (11)  “important game”

This is the first time the Saints have lost three in a row at the Dome since 2001. Quarterback Drew Brees says the team having this type of stretch during the season is definitely disappointing…

CUT 10 (10)  “better than that”

Even though the Saints’ record is disappointing, they are still tied for first place in the NFC South. The Saints now prepare to travel to Pittsburgh for a Sunday matchup against the 7-4 Steelers. Brees says losing is no fun…

CUT 11 (06)  “get a win“

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Texas Governor Rick Perry is campaigning with Republican Congressman Bill Cassidy today. They are making three stops in Louisiana in an effort to get out of the vote as Cassidy tries to unseat democratic senator Mary Landrieu on December sixth. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says it’s a good political strategy

cut 12 (09) “go out and vote”

Meanwhile, Landrieu is spending her afternoon, talking with workers at a marine facility in Houma and she also has a meeting with seniors and disabled residents in Terrebonne Parish.  Pinsonat says Landrieu is trying to drum up more support from blue collar workers and seniors…

cut 13 (03 “beat bad”

Pinsonat expects Landrieu to be active on the campaign trail leading up to election day, but it’s likely not enough to keep her job as a US Senator

cut 14 (10) “so much”

As the rate of diabetes continues to rise, new numbers show the costs associated with the disease are climbing at an alarming rate. Scott Carwile reports…

CUT 1 (29) “reporting”

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Louisiana continues to set records when it comes to the number of people who are working in the state. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (30) “reporting”

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A West Monroe lawmaker filed a lawsuit this week seeking to extend the early voting period for the December 6th runoff because two days were lost this time due to the Thanksgiving Holidays. Michelle Southern reports.

Cut 3 (25) “reporting”

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As the rate of diabetes continues to rise, new numbers show the disease costs Louisiana’s five-billion dollars a year. The study was conducted by LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center and the facility’s executive director, Dr. William Cefalu, says the cost of prediabetes went up 74-percent and undiagnosed diabetes grew 82-percent since 2007…

Cut 4  (06)  “number of cases”

Nationally, the cost of diabetes has grown to $322 billion per year in excess medical costs and lost productivity. Cefalu says diabetes is becoming an economic burden for the entire country…

Cut 5  (05)  “this condition”

Cefalu says increased awareness and action to stem the disease is needed to cut down the cost. He says previous studies show that prediabetes can be controlled…

Cut 6 (09)  “to diabetes”

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Former Governor Edwin Edwards took several shots at his opponent in the 6th Congressional District race in a debate where Garret Graves did not show up. Edwards accuses Graves of playing dirty politics in a flyer he sent out prior to the November 4th election that may lead voters to believe Paul Deitzel is gay…:

CUT 7 (10)  “really do hurt”

Edwards is also accusing Graves of helping his family profit from Government contracts when he was the head of the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority. Under that leadership, Edwards says Graves’ father was awarded $130 million dollars in state contracts and he bought coastal restoration office space then made his brother-in-law the leasing agent:

Cut 8 (13)    “all that time” 

Edwards was asked if he thought Senator Mary Landrieu was affecting his campaign. The former governor joked that it’s The President hurting them both…:

Cut 9 (14)  “in this district”

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The state continues to set new employment records. Louisiana Workforce Commission Executive Director Curt Eysink says total nonfarm employment in Louisiana reached 1,988,900 in October, which is a new record high

Cut 10 (09) “in Louisiana” 

Eysink says the number of private employment jobs has grown by 31-thousand over the last year. he says two industry sectors have set employment records

cut 11 (10)  “very strong”

The state’s unemployment rate is also going up, along with the number of people who are employed. The unemployment rate for October was six-point-two percent, up four-percentage points from last year. Eysink says it’s an indicator people are responding to the state’s strong job growth

cut 12 (08)  “we have”

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A West Monroe lawmaker filed a lawsuit this week seeking to extend the early voting period for the December 6th runoff because two days were lost this time due to the Thanksgiving Holidays. Governor Bobby Jindal declared this Friday a state holiday, Acadian Day, and polls are closed. Representative Marcus Hunter says he hopes the court knows the will of the legislature when it comes to voting…:

Cut 13 (05)  “to vote”

Hunter says this election, with the US-Senate race at the top of the ballot, is too important to shorten the amount of time someone is given the opportunity to vote. He says he hopes a judge will add those two extra days back…:

Cut 14 (12)  “Friday and Monday”

Hunter says it’s the responsibility of Secretary of State Tom Schedler to make sure voter turnout in Louisiana is as high as it can possibly be. But Schedler says the law is the law…:

Cut 15  (09)  “filed the suit”

Hunter says he hopes his case will be heard either today or tomorrow before the judges take off for Thanksgiving. Schedler says this is not the first time that polls have been closed during the early voting period when state offices are closed…:

Cut 16  (11)  “challenged in court”

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Louisiana Tech can win the West Division of Conference USA this Saturday. But the defending league champions stand in the Bulldogs way. The Rice Owls won ten games last year and were crowned the C-USA champs. This season Rice can win the West from Tech by beating the Bulldogs in Ruston this weekend. La Tech head coach Skip Holtz calls Rice a solid team

Cut 17  (17)   “been winning”

Last season, the Rice Owls embarrassed Louisiana Tech, beating them in Houston 52-14. Holtz says his players remember that game and had a feeling that this year’s contest would decide a division championship

Cut 18 (14) “west division”

LSU heads into Thursday night’s regular season finale against Texas A-and-M struggling on offense. So will true freshman quarterback Brandon Harris get some snaps against the Aggies. When asked. Coach Les Miles gave a non-committal answer

Cut 19 (14)   “he’s improved”

LSU has won the two previous meetings against Texas A-and-M, since the Aggies joined the Southeastern Conference. In both contests, the Tigers defense slowed down an A-and-M offense led by Johnny Manziel. Miles says the Aggies offense hasn’t changed much since “Johnny Football” departed…

Cut 20 (17)  “throw the football”

New Orleans Saints owner Tom Benson has pledged two gifts to the Pro Football Hall of Fame totaling $11 million. Eric Gill has more…

CUT 1 (27) “reporting”

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Early voting for the December 6th runoff election continues across the state. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 2 (29) “reporting”

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State Police are investigating a single vehicle accident involving an alleged drunk driver in Tangipahoa Parish that claimed the life of the driver’s father. Master Trooper Greg Marchand says troopers responded to a call about the crash in the Hammond area last night…

CUT 3 (12)  “a pine tree”

45-year-old Douglas Hoyt of Holden was not restrained at the time of the accident and was pronounced dead at a local hospital. Marchand says they do suspect impairment on the part of the driver, 22-year-old Amber Hoyt…

CUT 4 (08)  “vehicular homicide”

Amber, who was restrained, received minor injuries and will be booked upon release from the hospital. Marchand reminds drivers, especially during the holiday season, use proper restraints and never operate a vehicle while impaired… (Amber will be charged with DWI, careless operation, and vehicular homicide.)

CUT 5 (08)  “into tragedy”

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

New Orleans Saints owner Tom Benson has pledged two gifts to the Pro Football Hall of Fame totaling $11 million. This is the largest individual contribution in the Hall’s 51 year history. Vice President of Communications Pete Fierle (FEAR-ly) says Hall President David Baker approached Benson earlier this season…

CUT 6 (07)  “very, very quickly”

The donation will help build a Hall of Fame Village. $10 million of Benson’s donation will be used to renovate Fawcett Stadium, which will now be called Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium. The renovations will allow the stadium to be used for other sporting and entertainment events. The additional $1 million will help construct the Hall of Fame’s Legends Landing…

CUT 7 (11) “to literally land”

Legends Landing will be a residence where former greats can live if they fall on hard times. He says the Hall of Fame Village, and the various programs that will run from it, will help teach the values of the game and how you can apply them to all parts of life. Fierle feels Benson made this donation because he shares the Hall’s vision of what Hall of Fame Village represents…

CUT 8 (11) “for this country”

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The famous Natchitoches Christmas Festival of Lights is officially underway. The 300,000+ lights were turned on for the first time on Saturday and will twinkle every night at dusk through January 6th of next year. Madi Ackel is this year’s Miss Merry Christmas. She says Natchitoches is always special, but this is the highlight of the year…:

CUT 9 (10)  “special here”

Downtown attractions include carriage tours through the historic district and all shops and restaurants will be open late. Ackel says the 88th Annual Natchitoches Christmas Festival and parade happens December 6th…:

CUT 10 (08)  “at the lake”

You can get more information on the festival online at christmasfestival.com. Ackel says all events take place in the Landmark Historic District along the Cane River Lake and they invite everyone to come out and get into the Christmas spirit…:

CUT 11 (06)  “as possible here“

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Early voting for the December 6th runoff election continues across the state. Early voting began Saturday and will run through this Saturday, excluding Thursday and Friday. Secretary of State Tom Schedler says voter turnout last Saturday was brisk…

cut 12 (10) “almost 45,000″

He says nearly 45,000 voters cast their ballot early Saturday, but expects numbers to taper off as we get into the week. Schedler says it wasn’t very surprising to see a large number of voters out on Saturday…

cut 13 (06) “was very nice”

He says lines are steady today for early voting, although shorter than what was seen on opening day. Schedler predicts, based on historical data, overall voter turnout for the December 6th election will be in the 35-percent range…

cut 14 (08) “the following day”

An informal survey by the American Farm Bureau Association shows your Thanksgiving meal will cost a little more this year. Jeff Palermo reports…

CUT 1 (33) “reporting”

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A recent State Farm survey found drivers are still texting and driving, even though they know its dangerous. Scott Carwile has more….

Cut 2 (30) “reporting”

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The Louisiana Film Entertainment Association has met their Kickstarter goal with money they were raising for a study that will research the economic impact of the movie industry in Louisiana. Michelle Southern reports.

Cut 3 (30) “reporting”

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It looks like your Thanksgiving meal will cost a little more this year, according to an informal survey by the American Farm Bureau Association. The average price for a Thanksgiving dinner for 10 will cost $49.41, 37 cents more than last year. Louisiana Farm Bureau Association’s Avery Davidson says the biggest price hikes you’ll see are your proteins, particularly turkey and beef…

Cut 4  (12)  “40 years”

Davidson says prices are up. because fewer turkeys were processed this year and we have the smallest beef heards in the last 30 or 40 years. But he says the price increases aren’t very much and, in fact, some items cost less this year…

Cut 5  (09)  “more this year”

He says, although this year’s Thanksgiving meal cost is up, it’s still lower than we paid in 2012. Davidson has a suggestion if you’re looking for a deal on sweet potatoes or yams…

Cut 6 (06)  “grocery store”

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A recent State Farm survey found drivers are still texting and driving, even though they know its dangerous. 52 percent of those polled admit they have talked on a cell phone while driving and 34 percent say they have texted while driving.  State Farm Spokesperson Gary Stephenson says there has been an increase in the use of hands free cell phones.

CUT 7 (14)  “much at all”

Stephenson says 77 percent of young drivers say they believe they can safely text while driving. But he says some people acknowledged when the road conditions were bad, they reduced their cell phone use.

Cut 8 (10)    “be distracted.” 

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration says 80 percent of crashes are due to distracted driving. Stephenson says drivers now use their phones to read emails, access social media and use the internet, in addition to texting.

Cut 9 (11)  “smart phone”

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According to a report from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, homelessness in Louisiana has declined nearly 12 percent since last year and roughly 63 percent since 2010. Louisiana Housing Corporation Executive Director Fred Tombar says one of the key factors in reducing homelessness in Louisiana has been the state’s implementation of the $146 million dollar Permanent Supportive Housing Program…:

Cut 10 (11) “over their head” 

Tombar says they work with local non-profit organizations throughout the state with the same goal of finding people who are on the street and have a need…:

cut 11 (11)  “work together well”

There are an estimated 4,606 homeless people in Louisiana this year compared to 5,226 last year and 12,482 four years ago. Baton Rouge and New Orleans have the largest concentrations of homeless individuals. Tombar says the ultimate goal is to eradicate chronic homelessness…:

cut 12 (10)  “working at it”

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The Louisiana Film Entertainment Association has met their Kickstarter goal with money they were raising for a study that will research the economic impact of the movie industry in Louisiana. LFEA Executive Board member Raelyn Loop says once the study is complete, they will present the findings to lawmakers…:

Cut 13 (11)  “tax incentive program”

LFEA had a $50,000 gap in funding for the project which is why they launched the “Here’s My Two Bucks” Kickstarter campaign which met its goal with 7 days to go. Loop says the landmark economic impact study is already underway..:

Cut 14 (09)  “the entire state”

Loop says the state has to look at whether the motion picture tax incentive that benefits outside companies coming in to do business here is helping Louisiana. She says other states are mimicking our program program so Louisiana needs to remain competitive…:

Cut 15  (06)  “the entire state”

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The Ragin Cajuns fell out of a tie for first place in the Sun Belt Conference as they lost to Appalachian State 35-16 on Saturday at Cajun Field. The Mountaineers dominated at the line of scrimmage, rushing for 232 yards. Appalachian State running back Marcus Cox rushed for 151 yards and two touchdowns. Cajuns Coach Mark Hudspeth says his defense got away from its gap responsibilities…

Cut 16  (20)  “late in the game”

Terrance Broadway did not have a good performance in his final game at Cajun field. The senior from Baton Rouge threw for only 160 yards and he was held to two yards rushing. Hudspeth gives a lot of credit to the Mountaineers defense…

Cut 17  (16)   “job of  that”

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Louisiana Tech also dropped its first league game of the season as they lost to Old Dominion 30-27 in overtime on saturday. Tech led 24-14 at halftime, but failed to score a touchdown the rest of the way. Bulldogs Coach Skip Holtz says it was a disappointing second half

Cut 18 (14) “the field”

La Tech will wrap up the regular season this Saturday against Rice. The winner will advance to the C-USA Championship game against Marshall. Holtz says his guys can’t let Saturday’s loss linger…

Cut 19 (09)   “this week”

As we near the Thanksgiving holiday, the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission is coordinating a statewide Click It or Ticket campaign aimed at saving lives. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 1 (29) “reporting”

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The teenager who was driving the vehicle that crashed in Ouachita Parish and killed 5 of the 8 family members on their way to Disney World was issued a citation for careless operation. Eric Gill has more…

CUT 2 (29) “reporting”

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As we near the Thanksgiving holiday, the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission is coordinating a statewide “Click It or Ticket” campaign aimed at saving lives. Executive Director Lt. Col. John Leblanc says last year’s Thanksgiving holiday was one of the most dangerous of the year on Louisiana roadways…

CUT 3 (07)  “689 injuries”

Leblanc says there were 409 fatal and injury accidents during last year’s five-day Thanksgiving holiday that resulted in five deaths. He says Louisiana’s seat belt compliance rate is 82.5-percent, the highest it’s ever been. Leblanc says the compliance rate has gone up 8-percent in the last four years…

CUT 4 (11)  “87-percent”

He says the Thanksgiving holiday is one of the busiest for travel with more vehicles on the road and a greater chance of accidents. Louisiana law requires all people to use seat belts and Leblanc says it’s important to “Click It” to reduce the risk of fatal injury in an accident…

CUT 5 (06)  “in an accident”

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The teenager who was driving the vehicle that crashed in Ouachita Parish and killed 5 of the 8 family members on board was issued a citation for careless operation. The family was on their way from Texas to Disney World for a vacation. State Trooper Michael Reichardt says the teen, who has not been identified, was cited when he was released from the hospital…

CUT 6 (06)  “with a crime”

He says the 16-year-old is not charged with any crime, but merely given a traffic citation as a result of the accident. Reichardt says the teen is having to deal with so much right now…

CUT 7 (06) “tragic accident”

Two adults, Michael and Trudy Hardman, and three of their children, 15-year-old Dakota Watson, 7-year-old Adam Hardman, and 5-year-old Kaci Hardman were killed in the crash. Reichardt says the teenager was issued a citation because it’s State Police policy…

CUT 8 (04) “citation written”

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Commissioner of Administration Kristy Nichols announced the state plans to use amnesty money, eliminate 167 unused positions and reduce spending as part of the plan to fill the state’s current $171 million dollar budget shortfall. Jeremy Alford of LaPolitics.com says this falls in line with Jindal’s promise higher ed would be spared mid-year cuts…:

CUT 9 (07)  “no jobs were lost”

The deficit was tied to low severance tax and mineral royalties from dropping oil prices, combined with weak growth in personal income taxes. Alford says the Jindal Administration said it’s found $130 million in unused funding…:

CUT 10 (08)  “unused spending”

Alford says says there will be another meeting in December by the Joint Budget Committee to review the plan more thoroughly and make a final vote. He says the largest single chunk of money is coming from the tax amnesty program this year…:

CUT 11 (08)  “has put forward“

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The National Weather Service is asking Louisianians to be prepared for the risk of another round of severe weather throughout the state this weekend. Robert Ricks, Lead ForLouisianansecaster with the NWS in Slidell, says there’s a strong upper level disturbance moving into Louisiana from Texas which should hit us hard Saturday evening…:

cut 12 (12) “severe thunderstorm threat”

Ricks says along with torrential rain, damaging winds and tornadoes will be the main threat; so storms from Saturday afternoon into early Sunday morning will need to be watched closely. He says the cold air is flushing out and tropical moisture is moving in from the Gulf…:

cut 13 (10) “thunderstorm activity”

The potential of the severe weather has caused UL-Lafayette to move their Saturday football game against Appalachian State up three hours to 1pm. Ricks says rainfall from 1 to 3 inches with isolated higher amounts will be possible throughout the state but getting worse as you move south…:

cut 14 (08) “12-18 hour period”

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The early voting period for the December 6th runoff elections begins tomorrow. Scott Carwile reports…

CUT 1 (31) “reporting”

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Louisiana is facing a $171 million dollar revenue shortfall and the Jindal Administration is announcing mid-year budget cuts today. Michelle Southern reports.

Cut 2 (30) “reporting”

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There’s a new Rasmussen poll out on the December 6th US-Senate runoff  and it shows incumbent Democratic Senator Mary Landrieu with 41% of the  vote and Congressman Bill Cassidy with 56%. Michelle Southern reports:

Cut 3 (30) “reporting”

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The early voting period for the December 6th runoff elections begins tomorrow. Secretary of State Tom Schedler says early voting will run through Saturday November 29th excluding a few days…

Cut 4  (04)  “and Friday”

Schedler says there is no early voting next Friday because of an executive order from Governor Jindal declaring the day after Thanksgiving a state holiday. He is predicting a 30 to 35-percent voter turnout for the December runoff election. But Schedler expects voter turnout in the 5th and 6th Congressional districts to outpace the rest of the state…

Cut 5  (07)  “Congressional races”

Schedler says, even though control of the Senate has already been decided, it is still important hit your polling place, even if the US Senate race is the only item on your ballot…

Cut 6 (05)  “in November”

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The Jindal Administration will be announcing mid-year budget cuts today. Louisiana is facing a $171 million dollar revenue shortfall. Jindal’s chief administrator has indicated that higher education will avoid any substantial cuts, but Senate Finance chairman Jack Donahue doesn’t see that being possible…:

CUT 7 (11)  “$340 million dollar cut”

There are many dedicated budget items that can’t be cut so typically higher education and heath care are hit hardest. Donahue says he’s all ears to see what the Jindal Administration has in mind…:

Cut 8 (12)    “$10,000″ 

Higher education in Louisiana has been dealt massive cuts in state funding over the past several years. Donahue says we’re dealing with major revenue shortage and he feels the the state gives away too much money in tax credits. He says dollars seem to go as soon as they come in and Louisiana can’t get seem to get ahead…:

Cut 9 (13)  “should be getting”

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There’s a new Rasmussen poll out on the December 6th US-Senate runoff and it shows incumbent Democratic Senator Mary Landrieu with 41% of the vote and Congressman Bill Cassidy with 56%. UL-Lafayette Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says there are several factors working against Landrieu’s chances at re-election…:

Cut 10 (12) “Republican Party” 

In the survey just three percent said they were undecided. Cross says there is also an enormous amount of money being spent to try to defeat Landrieu now that other races across the country are over. But he says a 15 point Landrieu deficit seems a bit high…:

cut 11 (11)  “margin of error”

The survey also found that only 76% of registered Democrats in Louisiana would vote for Landrieu. Cross says it’s not good that the incumbent isn’t even getting good numbers from her own party…:

cut 12 (09)  “registration yet”

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President Barack Obama announced his plans for immigration reform last night, but many people say more needs to be done. Local business consultant Randy Hayden says the new Congress that is sworn in next year should look at making more working visas available, which could help with the state’s worker shortage

Cut 13 (10)  “our economy”

Hayden says with the state on the cusp of an economic boom, experts predict we’ll have trouble finding enough workers in the areas of science, technology  and engineering and math. Hayden says fixing the nation’s current worker visa program could help

Cut 14 (12)  “Louisiana”

Hayden says one area of reform desperately needed deals with foreign students who are a educated by a Louisiana college and university, but then can’t stay after graduation because they can’t get a visa

Cut 15  (11)  “against us”

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McNeese State and Northwestern State wrap up their regular seasons tomorrow. Both teams still a shot at making the F-C-S playoffs. The Cowboys are at Lamar and McNeese Coach Matt Viator says this is always a tough game for his team

Cut 16  (17)  “tremendous offense”

Viator says even if a playoff spot wasn’t on the line, it’s still a big game for the McNeese Program, which is seeking its seventh win of the season

Cut 17  (11)   “football team”

Northwestern State will also go after it’s seventh win of the season when they visit Stephen F Austin. They winner of this game gets to keep seven-foot-six Chief Caddo, the largest trophy in college sports. Demons Coach Jay Thomas on the significance of this contest

Cut 18 (19) “those guys”