Lafayette Congressman Charles Boustany plans to meet with Veterans Affairs officials today over their decision to push back the completion date of two new VA clinics in Lafayette and Lake Charles. Scott Carwile reports…

CUT 1 (30) “reporting”

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A public demonstration is being held this evening in downtown Opelousas to protest grand jury decisions in Missouri and New York where charges were not pressed in officer involved deaths. Michelle Southern reports.

Cut 2 (30) “reporting”

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Christmas is one week from today and many people would call the next 7 days the most stressful of the year. Michelle Southern talks with an LSU AgCenter Life specialist…:

Cut 3 (30) “reporting”

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Lafayette Congressman Charles Boustany plans to meet with Veterans Affairs officials today over their decision to push back the completion date of two new VA clinics in Lafayette and Lake Charles. It’s reported that the opening of both clinics are delayed by almost a year to 2016. Boustany says these delays are unacceptable…

cut 4  (12)  “purely ridiculous”

Boustany says his office has not been contacted by the VA in regard to this issue. He says he learned of the delays second-hand. Boustany says the VA is sending mixed signals to veterans and he intends to get to the bottom of this…

Cut 5  (07)  “they’re doing”

It’s reported that VA officials made the announcement of the delay at a town hall meeting in Lake Charles. Boustany says he’s determined to get answers becuase our veterans deserve to be treated a whole lot better than this. He says this mistreatment of veterans has gone on long enough…

Cut 6 (10)  “sounds like it”

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A public demonstration is being held this evening in downtown Opelousas to protest grand jury decisions in Missouri and New York where charges were not pressed in officer involved deaths. It’s being organized by newly-elected alderman Tyrone Glover who says the St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office, Opelousas Police, the DA’s office and the city marshal are all participating…:

CUT 7 (13)  “we are concerned”

In New York, Eric Garner died in a choke hold while saying, “I can’t breathe” and the officer detaining him is not being indicted. Glover says today’s rally will not be a march but a dialogue among all participants to make sure everyone is on the same page should something like this happen in St. Landry Parish…:

Cut 8 (12)  “to make peace” 

The rally will begin at 5pm in Opelousas’ Courthouse Square. Glover says he’s good friends with Sheriff Bobby Guidroz and they both agree law enforcement responded the wrong way in Garner’s case and in the Ferguson case of Michael Brown. Glover says this rally will be a peaceful one, not negative…:

Cut 9 (10)  “suffer for the bad”

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The super low gas prices are making car salesmen happy this Holiday season as vehicle sales rise. Bob Isreal, Executive Director of the Automobile Dealers Association, says the consumer in general is feeling more confident with their money because of the lower price at the pump…:

Cut 10 (14) “three months” 

Isreal says motorists in Louisiana almost always prefer to buy a truck or SUV but they move toward more fuel efficient vehicles when the price at the pump is high…:

cut 11 (06) “and the SUVs”

Isreal says economists are predicting oil prices will stay low for the next 12-18 months which will be great for the car business…:

cut 12 (08)  “new vehicles”

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Christmas is one week from today and many people would call the next 7 days the most stressful of the year. LSU AgCenter Life specialist Diane Sasser says it’s a good idea to get plenty of rest and if you’re too tired — slow down. She says it’s important to keep smiling and stay positive because getting too easily irritated is unproductive…:

Cut 13 (09)  “what this is about”

Sasser says you’ll be doing yourself a big favor if you get solid plans in place now so there isn’t a big scramble next week. She says trying to achieve the “perfect” Holiday can cause worry and tension…:

Cut 14 (11)  “you feel”

Sasser says if you’re lonely or missing a loved one, attending a community holiday event may brighten your spirits. She says it’s always good to stay on budget and keep a list of everything if at all possible…:

Cut 15  (09)  “stick to it”

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The Saints can win the NFC South this Sunday, if they can beat their biggest rival, the Atlanta Falcons, and if Carolina loses to Cleveland. Even though this has not been a great season for the Black and Gold, Quarterback Drew Brees says they are still in position to accomplish one of their main goals

Cut 16  (17)    than this”  

The Saints are trying to snap a four-game losing streak at home. Coach Sean Payton says he doesn’t feel any extra pressure to make sure his team is ready to play Sunday, with so much on the line…

Cut 17  (19)   “each week”

Even though Atlanta comes in with a record of five and nine, Quarterback Matt Ryan is playing at a high level. He’s thrown for 300 or more yards in his last three games and for the season he has 41-hundred passing yards and 27 touchdowns. Payton says the Falcons have an explosive offense

Cut 18 (17) “defense”

Republican Congressman Steve Scalise of Metairie says he supports US Senator David Vitter in his campaign for governor. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 1 (28) “reporting”

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Some members of LSU ‘s faculty and student body are concerned the American Family Association is involved in a prayer rally at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center on January 24th. Jeff Palermo has the story

CUT 2 (30) “reporting”

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Republican Congressman Steve Scalise of Metairie says he supports US Senator David Vitter in his campaign to become governor. Scalise made his comments on The Jim Engster Show. The House Majority Whip thinks Vitter would do a great job as Louisiana’s governor…

CUT 3 (08)  “our state back”

Vitter is one of three Republicans running for Louisiana’s highest elected office, with Lt. Governor Jay Dardenne and Public Service Commissioner Scott Angelle being the other two. Amite Representative John Bel Edwards is the lone Democrat in the race. Scalise believes Vitter would be more friendly to business in the state as governor…

CUT 4 (04)  “in our state”

Scalise as House Majority Whip, has the most clout of the Louisiana Congressional delegation. He believes that the Senator is the right man to replace Governor Jindal. Scalise says he’s worked with Vitter on several issues in Washington and has seen Vitter’s commitment to Louisiana…

CUT 5 (09)  “in that race”

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State Police say a highway construction worker has been killed in a Caldwell Parish crash. Trooper Michael Reichardt says there were two trucks stopped in the northbound outside lane of Highway 165, just north of Columbia, putting down center reflectors on the roadway…

CUT 6 (12)  “the left lane”

Reichardt says when a vehicle attempted to change lanes, it struck the rear of one of the work trucks and then the three construction workers…

CUT 7 (08) “died last night”

30-year-old Michael Roberts of West Monroe succumbed to his injuries and died as a result of his injuries. The investigation is ongoing and it is unknown at this time if impairment was a factor in this crash. Reichardt says it’s a driver’s responsibility to be aware when in a construction zone or approaching any slow moving or stopped vehicles…

CUT 8 (09) “in a lane”

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A native of Cuba, who lives in New Orleans, blasts President Obama for restoring diplomatic relations with Cuba. George Fowler, Vice Chairman of the Cuban-American National Foundation, feels that there will probably be some cosmetic changes in US-Cuba policy but nothing significant…

CUT 9 (09)  “on the embargo”

Another part of the deal with Cuba saw an exchange of prisoners. Cuba agreed to release American Alan Gross in exchange for three Cubans imprisoned in the US accused of spying. Fowler says he condemns this action by the President because it will put Americans everywhere in the world in danger …

CUT 10 (11)  “be in jail”

Fowler doesn’t see much benefit for the US in expanding trade with Cuba. He says Cuba is a bankrupt Communist country and has been for many years. Fowler says there may be one benefit of resuming trade…

cut 11 (07)  “of our country”

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Many people on LSU’s campus are not happy the Pete Maravich Assembly Center will be the site for a prayer rally featuring Governor Jindal  next month. The American Family Association is funding the event and LSU Associate english professor Chris Barrett says she considers the A-F-A a hate group for its views and stance on homosexuality

cut 12 (06) ” community”

Barrett says it’s her hope LSU will tell the organizers to hold their rally somewhere else, if not, she and hundreds of others plan to protest outside of the PMAC that day, because of the A-F-A’s involvement

cut 13 (07) “doesn’t”

American Family Association spokesperson Bryan Fisher says he doesn’t understand why there’s controversy surrounding their Prayer Rally on January 24th…

cut 14 (08) ” repent”

Fisher says he’s not surprised gay activists would come out against this event…

cut 15 (07) ” our benefit”

The annual University of Michigan “Monitoring the Future” report shows, for the first time, more teens are smoking e-cigarettes than tobacco cigarettes. Scott Carwile reports…

CUT 1 (30) “reporting”

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The Louisiana Workforce Commission has launched a new online mobile which calculates someone’s expenses and connects them with a career. Michelle Southern reports.

Cut 2 (30) “reporting”

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So as we’re one week away from Christmas Eve, what are the toys that will be under most trees? Michelle Southern looks at the National Retail Federation 2014 survey…:

Cut 3 (30) “reporting”

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According to a new national survey, for the first time more teens are smoking e-cigarettes than tobacco cigarettes. The annual University of Michigan “Monitoring the Future” report surveyed over 40,000 8th, 10th, and 12 graders. DHH Health Promotions Director Caroline Brazeel says they are currently analyzing data for Louisiana but expects to see a similar trend here…

cut 4  (09)  “national trends”

It is cited that a possible reason for the growing popularity of e-cigarettes among teens is the perception that they do not harm your health. Brazeel says that’s not the case because nicotine can have a negative impact on brain development. She says another reason for their popularity is the tobacco industry marketing e-cigarettes to teenagers…

Cut 5  (09)  “younger audience”

There is also concern that the use of e-cigarettes can become habit forming for teens. Brazeel says it’s important that the state does what it can to protect the health of the youth in Louisiana. She says the Louisiana Legislature took a critical first step in trying to combat this growing trend…

Cut 6 (07)  “to minors”

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The Louisiana Workforce Commission has launched a new online mobile tool that would help people find careers that interest them while supporting the standard of living they want to maintain. LWC spokesman Tom Guarisco says it’s called “My life. My way.” and it’s a fun way to envision the life you want…:

CUT 7 (10)  “right careers”

Guarisco says users can learn how much they need to earn by choosing from 8 regions in Louisiana then making lifestyle choices about housing, food, transportation. He says the app will then connect you to the appropriate career…:

Cut 8 (11)  “that will prepare you” 

Guarisco says you can find the tool online at laworks.net/mylife. He says this is great for students, but it can be used by anyone who may be thinking of re-locating in the state and how much it would cost to live there and keep your current lifestyle…:

Cut 9 (05)  “what they’ll take”

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Step aside Barbie, there’s a new princess in town. We’re one week away from Christmas Eve and Kathy Grannis with the National Retail Federation says the number one toy under the tree for girls this Christmas will be from a popular animated film…:

Cut 10 (08) “this year” 

20% of parents said they plan to buy their daughters products from Disney’s Frozen — dethroning Barbie (at 16%) for the first time in the survey’s 11-year history. Grannis says daughters also went hi-tech on this year’s Christmas list…:

cut 11 (10) “products”

Grannis says topping the boys list is LEGO sets which also is recognized as one of the top selling toys for both boys and girls every Holiday season. She says moms and dads have had their hands full with the Christmas lists this year as kids move toward the electronics department…:

cut 12 (07)  “video game consoles”

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The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries says a Mississippi man has been cited for allegedly drowning a deer in the Mississippi River in Concordia Parish. Adam Einck with L-D-W-F says a witness observed 40-year-old David Hayes of Natchez, Mississippi, drive his boat up to a deer swimming in the river…

Cut 13 (06)  “in his boat”

Einck says a wildlife and fisheries’ agent found Hayes with a dead eight point buck lying in front of the vessel. He says Hayes admitted to drowning the buck in the river on the Louisiana side…

Cut 14 (10)  “while it was swimming”

Hayes faces several hundreds of dollars in fines and up to 90 days in jail, if convicted. He also might have to pay a two-thousand dollar restitution charge for the replacement value of the deer. Einck says they don’t see many cases where a person is cited for drowning deer

Cut 15  (08)  “apparently”

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The LSU football team is practicing every day this week to get ready for their match-up with Notre Dame in the Music City Bowl. It’s the first time the Tigers are back on the practice field since Thanksgiving week and starting quarterback Anthony Jennings says he used the down time to self scout himself

Cut 16  (20)    this bowl game”  

Jennings started all but one game for the Tigers during the 2014 regular season. He has led an offense that’s averaged 28 points a game, which ranks 11th in the 14-team SEC. The sophomore hopes to lead LSU to several scores in the bowl game…

Cut 17  (14)   “for us”

Senior Safety Ronald Martin says he’s glad to have the opportunity to finish his college career by playing a team like Notre Dame….

Cut 18 (15) “playing Notre Dame”

Former Florida Governor Jeb Bush says he plans to “actively explore” a presidential campaign. Eric Gill takes a look at what this means for Governor Jindal’s potential run…

CUT 1 (29) “reporting”

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Bill Cosby’s wife Camille is defending her husband against the accusations of sexual assault made by several women. Michelle Southern talks with the executive director of Sexual Trauma Awareness & Response in Baton Rouge.

CUT 2 (31) “reporting”

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Former Florida Governor Jeb Bush says he plans to “actively explore” a presidential campaign and an operation allowing him to raise money for a bid. So what does this mean for Governor Bobby Jindal’s presidential aspirations? UL-Lafayette Political Science Professor Pearson Cross this news won’t change anything Jindal is doing…

CUT 3 (09)  “and moving ahead”

Cross says running for president is a long process with everyone starting to plan about two years ahead time. He says there are big differences between these two potential candidates: Jindal being part of the conservative christian movement and Bush being a more mainstream Republican. But Cross says Bush does have a big advantage in name recognition…

CUT 4 (05)  “previous presidents”

Jindal is in Iowa today speaking at a GOP function tonight. Jindal has made several trips to Iowa this year. Cross says Iowa is very important for Jindal’s presidential bid. He says you can expect the governor to make many more trips to Iowa in the coming year…

CUT 5 (08)  “that one state”

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Bill Cosby’s wife Camille has issued a statement defending her husband against the accusations of sexual assault made by several women. She says Bill Cosby is the fatherly image we all know and there has been no vetting of his accusers. Rachel Hebert is the executive director of Sexual Trauma Awareness & Response in Baton Rouge. She says these cases are so difficult because drugs and alcohol are involved…:

CUT 6 (13)  “credibility”

Camille Cosby says her husband has been falsely painted as a predator by individuals whom many in the media have given a pass. There have been no moves to arrest Cosby on these claims and Hebert believes it’s because of his perfect image before these accusations were made…:

CUT 7 (11) “larger issue”

Hebert says they often see perpetrators use drugs in assaults as another way to diminish an accusers credibility. She says one of the things we can take away from this case is not to be so quick to rush to judgement…:

CUT 8 (08) “listen and believe”

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Crude oil prices are falling again today. They are down 47-percent since June and it’s the largest drop in five years. When oil prices decline over a long period of time, it means less revenue for the state government. But Greg Albrecht, chief economist for the state legislative fiscal office, is hopeful other revenue streams can make up for the loss in mineral revenues

CUT 9 (09)  “our revenue”

Albrecht says the Revenue Estimating Conference will meet next month and agree on a forecast for future revenues. He says sales tax collections are up more than anticipated and it’s also possible income tax revenues will also be higher than expected, which could offset the loss of mineral revenues

CUT 10 (06)  “in there”

Albrecht says if state leaders are concerned about the state’s budget, because of failing oil and gas royalties. He says the legislature could look at eliminating some of the tax credits, rebates and exemptions that cost the state seven billion dollars a year. But he says it’s unlikely anything will happen in the next legislative session

cut 11 (07)  “big way”

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State Police report that a Port Allen man is under arrest after they learned he was attempting to solicit murder. 37-year-old Tommy Joe Gioele (JEE-oh-lee) is charged with two counts of solicitation of murder. Trooper Jared Sandifer says the investigation began Sunday evening…

cut 12 (08) “Pointe Coupee Parish”

A man informed officers that Gioele approached him and asked him to kill two people in Pointe Coupee Parish. Sandifer says the relationship with Gioele and the man is unknown. He says, after learning of Gioele’s plans, officers went to work…

cut 13 (07) “legitimate deal”

Gioele was taken into custody at his home without incident. Sandifer says it’s fortunate that this murder plot did not go any further than it did…

cut 14 (08) “to do so”

The ugly Christmas sweater phenomenon is getting more and more popular every year. Michelle Southern talks with a gaudy clothing expert.

CUT 1 (28) “reporting”

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Although he has yet to declare his intent to run for President in 2016, Governor Bobby Jindal returns to Iowa today. Scott Carwile reports…

Cut 2 (29) “reporting”

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State Police say 61 people have died in crashes they’ve investigated since the day before Thanksgiving this year. Michelle Southern reports…:

Cut 3 (30) “reporting”

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The UL-Lafayette football team leaves today for New Orleans where they’ll play in the R+L Carriers Bowl for the 4th straight time. The Ragin’ Cajuns will travel to The Big Easy to take on Nevada in the Mercedes Benz Superdome Saturday with a 10am kickoff. UL Athletic Director Scott Farmer says this is always an exciting game for fans..:

cut 4  (11)  “very accessible”

The game has set attendance records all three years — 42,841 when UL beat San Diego State in 2001, 48,828 when it beat East Carolina in 2012 and 54,728 when it beat Tulane last December. Farmer says ticket sales are down so far for the game but they hope the Ragin’ Cajun Nation will show up in full force…:

Cut 5  (10)  “really special”

As part of the New Orleans Bowl festivities, Friday night food and beverages will be available for purchase from a variety of vendors at Champions Square for a free concert featuring Kool and the Gang and Cheap Trick. Farmer says it means a lot that they’ve been associated with this bowl now for four years…:

Cut 6 (09)  “what’s that’s done”

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The ugly Christmas sweater is becoming more and more popular every year for Holiday gatherings. So what is all the fuss about? LeShai (La-Shay) Brown is a vendor at Polished Peasant in Sulphur which specializes in tacky Christmas attire. She says people have a blast with silly festive gear…:

CUT 7 (10)  “gift giving”

Brown says many people throw specific “Ugly Christmas Sweater” parties with the goal of being the one in attendance with the most hideous holiday shirt….:

Cut 8 (05)  “by the trend” 

Brown says a lot of her customers will buy an ugly Christmas sweater then go home and add even more flair…:

Cut 9 (05)  “extra garby”

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Although he has yet to declare his intent to run for President in 2016, Governor Bobby Jindal returns to Iowa today. The Iowa is a key Presidential primary state. Radio Iowa News Director Kay Henderson says Jindal has been making political appearances in Iowa for several years and some Iowans have had a chance to meet him…

Cut 10 (09) “County GOP” 

Jindal will headline the Polk County Republican Winter Victory Dinner in West Des Moines tonight. Henderson says Jindal has been doing the things that one does if your are planning a presidential campaign, doesn’t consider him in the top tier of potential presidential candidates. She says Jindal has a lot of work ahead of him when it comes to educating voters…

cut 11 (06) “personal story is”

This is the governor’s fourth trip to Iowa this year and third in the past three months. She says a Jindal victory in Iowa would not be out of the question with the caucuses over a year away. Henderson says Mike Huckaby was virtually unknown in Iowa a year from the 2008 caucuses…

cut 12 (08)  “was Mitt Romney”

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State Police say 61 people have died in crashes they’ve investigated since the day before Thanksgiving this year. Not being properly restrained, impairment and driver distraction were the contributing factors. Col Mike Edmonson says in his 34 years with state police, he’s never seen a worse 30 day period than this one..:

Cut 13 (09)  “up to the present”

Edmonson says the tragedies have become too frequent and the people who have lost their lives in these crashes can’t be viewed as just a statistic…:

Cut 14 (09)  “accident”

Edmonson says he’s been thinking about the family from Texas who died on I-20 on their way to Disney World and the sisters on their way to Dutchtown High School. He says it’s for these people we all need to make a commitment to buckle up, don’t drink and drive and avoid distracted driving…:

Cut 15  (12)  “the distractions”

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Even though LSU’s Les Miles didn’t want to go on the record to talk about the vacancy at his alma mater Michigan, the Tigers head coach made it clear with reporters on Monday night he’s not interested in the job. When Miles allowed for cameras and recorders to roll, he gave this thought on LSU’s quarterback situation….

Cut 16  (17)    like fashion”  

While Miles wouldn’t discuss the Michigan job, he spoke highly of LSU’s future and what the Tigers can accomplish in the future, especially if they don’t lose a lot of underclassmen to the draft…

Cut 17  (13)   “in the tournament”

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The Saints are in first place in the NFC South after winning on the road again. New Orleans beat the Bears 31-15 at a soggy Soldier Field in Chicago. After getting blown out at home last week, New Orleans took it to the Bears as Quarterback Drew Brees threw three touchdown passes and the Saints defense intercepted three passes and sacked Chicago Quarterback Jay Cutler seven times. Head Coach Sean Payton…

Cut 18 (18) “ball really”

The Saints are now three and four away from New Orleans. Payton’s team will look to snap a four-game home losing streak this Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons…

Cut 19 (12)   “better job there”

The state has reopened a couple of areas in the Gulf of Mexico that were affected by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill to commercial fishermen. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 1 (28) “reporting”

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State Police say a Louisiana Department of Public Safety officer is charged with sexual battery and malfeasance in office following a traffic stop in Zachary. Eric Gill has more…

CUT 2 (28) “reporting”

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State Police say a suspected drunk driver heading the wrong way on a four-lane highway in Beauregard Parish struck another vehicle head-on, resulting in three fatalities. State Police Sergeant James Anderson says they believe 28-year-old Kristi Poteet was traveling south in the northbound lanes of US 171

CUT 3 (11)  “heading north”

Poteet and a passenger in her car were killed at the scene. 41-year-old Ricky Gill of Singer was the driver of the other car who also died. Anderson says they believe Poteet was impaired at the time of the crash

CUT 4 (08)  “public’s help”

The fatal wreck occurred about five miles north of the community of Longville. Anderson says the investigation continues on how Poteet ended up driving on the wrong side of a four-lane highway

(State Police say nine people were killed over the weekend. No seatbelts, impaired driving and driver error were the contributing factors. 61 lives have been lost since the week before Thanksgiving in accidents investigated by State Police.) 

CUT 5 (09)  “turned back”

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The state has reopened a couple of areas in the Gulf of Mexico that were affected by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill to commercial fishermen. Areas off the coasts of Elmer’s and Grand Terre (tear, as in rip something) islands have been closed since the spill in 2010. Dean Blanchard, owner of Dean Blanchard’s Seafood in Grand Isle, says both of these areas are good areas for shrimp…

CUT 6 (10)  “for this week”

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries reopened these areas, near Grand Isle, December 10. Blanchard says reopening these areas will be a big help for the industry going forward…

CUT 7 (09) “back to normal”

There is still an area near Barataria Bay that remains closed to fishing. Blanchard says the more shrimp fishermen are able to harvest will put more on the market and drive the cost of Gulf shrimp down. He says they are keeping a close eye on these shrimp to make sure they aren’t affected by the spill…

CUT 8 (06) “good so far”

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State Police say a Louisiana Department of Public Safety officer is charged with sexual battery and malfeasance in office following a traffic stop in Zachary. Michael Selders of Clinton was booked into the East Baton Rouge Prison. Lt. JB Slaton says the victim contacted the East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s office after the traffic stop…

CUT 9 (07)  “sexual manner”

The victim claims Selders touched her inappropriately during the traffic stop. Selders is on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation. Slaton says the victim was aware of Selders before the incident because he frequented her place of employment…

CUT 10 (11)  “determined fully”

The victim claims Selders continued to touch her inappropriately after they exchanged a hug. EBRSO detectives say there were several inconsistencies in Selders’ accounts of the incident. Slaton says these types of allegations are something that State Police take very seriously…

cut 11 (08)  “dealt with swiftly”

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State Police is investigating a crash involving a pedestrian who was struck and killed after he fell out of the back of a truck in LaSalle Parish over the weekend. Master Trooper Scott Moreau says 22-year-old Brittany Walker of Jena was traveling on La Highway 8 when she struck an unknown object in the roadway…:

cut 12 (08) “was a person”

Moreau says they later determined that the person lying in the roadway was 43-year-old Marcus Jones. He says while they were working the scene one of victim’s friends returned looking Jones because he had been standing up in the back of his truck, standing and holding down wooden pallets…:

cut 13 (13) “stack of pallets”

The St. Martin Parish Sheriff’s office is investigating the case of two women who were shot in a domestic disturbance leaving one dead and one injured. Major Ginny Higgins says they responded to a residence and deputies discovered two female victims suffering gunshot wounds…:

cut 14 (09) “passed away”

A 20-year-old victim was pronounced dead at a hospital and the 19-year-old suffered non-life threatening injuries. Higgins says they were able to locate and apprehend the suspect, 25-year-old Donovan Kennedy of New Iberia shortly after the incident…:(The relationship of those involved is not known at this time.)

cut 15 (06) “attempted second degree murder”

5th District Congressman-elect Ralph Abraham says he’s ready to begin his duties in Washington D.C. Michelle Southern reports.

CUT 1 (27) “reporting”

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The United States Postal Service says if you are shipping by standard post, today is the last day to get that package in the mail for an on-time Christmas delivery. Scott Carwile reports…

Cut 2 (31) “reporting”

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A man who was once the janitor at Port Barre Elementary School and years later became the principal is being featured in a People Magazine series called “Heroes Among Us.” Michelle Southern reports…

Cut 3 (31) “reporting”

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5th District Congressman-elect Ralph Abraham says he’s ready to begin his duties in Washington D.C. The Republican from Richland Parish says he’s already be told he’s secured assignments on the House Agriculture and Veterans Affairs committees…:

cut 4  (10)  “in the nation”

Abraham will be sworn in on January fifth and he expects the new Congress, will quickly act on a couple of important items ..:

Cut 5  (11)  “Obamacare”

Abraham is a physician, veteran, farmer and business owner. He says on the AG committee he’s going to push for looser EPA restrictions because farmers need freedom to grow a crop without a lot of government oversight. Abraham says as a doctor he realizes how vital it is that we properly take care of our Veterans which is not happening in many parts of the country…:

Cut 6 (11)  “and the right care”

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The United States Postal Service says if you are shipping by standard post, today is the last day to get that package in the mail for an on-time Christmas delivery. Spokesman McKinney Boyd says today is the post office’s busiest day where they’ll process in the neighborhood of 354,000 packages statewide…

CUT 7 (09)  “and letters tonight”

Boyd says they expect to process an additional 1.5 million cards and letters tonight. He says if you are shipping by First Class or Priority Mail, the deadline is Saturday for a Christmas delivery. Boyd says you can avoid lines at the post office by going to their website and schedule a free package pickup…

Cut 8 (07)  “pick it up” 

The web address is www-dot-usps-dot-com. For the true last minute shopper, December 23 is the deadline to send a package using Priority Mail Express. Boyd admits that most people communicate electronically these days, but says there is still nothing like receiving a Christmas card in the mail…

Cut 9 (09)  “many miles away”

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A man who was once the janitor at Port Barre Elementary School and years later became the principal is being featured in a People Magazine series called “Heroes Among Us.” Joseph “Gabe” Sonnier says on day in the mid-80s the then-principal at the school told the janitor he knew he was very smart and capable of going more with his life…:

Cut 10 (08) “to heart” 

Sonnier says later he decided to go to school full-time while he continued working as the custodian. He says after getting his associate’s degree and bachelor’s degree he began teaching a Port Barre Elementary School…:

cut 11 (09) “elementary”

Sonnier, now 53, says he got his master’s degree then was appointed principal at the same school where he worked as a janitor for 27 years. His story has inspired many people and Sonnier has been featured on several TV shows and magazines. He says this is his lesson to us all…:

cut 12 (11)  “or your dream”

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Louisiana hopes to generate one-point-four million dollars in revenue by selling over seven-hundred underutilized state vehicles at auction. Division of Administration assistant commissioner Jan Cassidy says these vehicles are not being used enough by various state agencies, so the decision has been made to auction them off

Cut 13 (11)  “one-point-four-million”

The vehicles will be auctioned off in East Baton Rouge Parish. Cassidy says these vehicles have been driven less than 15-thousand miles over the last year

Cut 14 (12)  “job done”

Cassidy they are constantly evaluating state inventory to make sure they are spending tax dollars appropriately and it’s been determined they reduce the number of state vehicles by over seven-hundred

Cut 15  (08)  “surplus vehicles”

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The Saints will try to get another win on the road tonight when they face the Chicago Bears. New Orleans went to the Windy City last year and won 26-18 as Quarterback Drew Brees threw for 288 yards and two touchdowns

Cut 16  (14)       (Brees chuckles)

It’s been a frustrating season for the Saints, who have lost four in a row at home, but they’ve won their last two on the road. New Orleans defensive end Cam Jordan says they’ve focused on being more consistent heading into tonight’s game

Cut 17  (17)   “get this win”

Jordan hopes the Saints defensive line can set the tone in tonight’s game by getting after Bears Quarterback Jay Cutler…

Cut 18 (11) “next coming”

State Police say two Town of Franklinton employees are under arrest, accused of stealing over $22,000 in water and utility payments from residents. Eric Gill has the story…

CUT 1 (31) “reporting”

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Former Saints safety Darren Sharper has been indicted by an Orleans grand jury on two counts of aggravated rape. Michelle Southern reports.

CUT 2 (31) “reporting”

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State Police say two Town of Franklinton employees are under arrest, accused of stealing over $22,000 in water and utility payments from residents. Master Trooper Greg Marchand says town officials noticed some irregularities in how town utility bills were being collected and called them to investigate…

CUT 3 (09)  “a town account”

He says 39-year-old Carmen Freemen and 42-year-old Caprice Dawson processed over 230 payments that were never deposited into the town’s account. Marchand says Freeman’s and Dawson’s official duties included processing the billing and payments of all customers utilizing the town’s water services…

CUT 4 (07)  “own personal gain”

Marchand says they were able to collect enough evidence to acquire arrest warrants on the pair on several charges, including felony theft and malfeasance in office…

CUT 5 (06)  “in Franklinton”

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Former Saints safety Darren Sharper has been indicted by an Orleans grand jury on two counts of aggravated rape. Sharper allegedly drugged and raped women in New Orleans — accusations he also faces in multiple states. He is currently held without bond in Los Angeles. Legal analyst Tim Meche says rape is typically “he-said-she-said”…:

CUT 6 (13)  “about this case”

Meche says even though Sharper is accused in other states he will likely face a trial in New Orleans because aggravated rape carries a life sentence, so he probably won’t plead guilty…:

CUT 7 (12) “tried first”

A New Orleans arrest warrant says witnesses report that Sharper and co-defendant Erik Nunez acknowledged they had non consensual sex with two women. Sharper was part of a successful championship run while with the Black and Gold. Even though he is so well known, Meche doesn’t think the trial will be moved from Orleans…:

(Sharper was also indicted today on federal drug charges.) 

CUT 8 (10) “anywhere else”

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State Police is investigating a fatal accident that happened this morning on I-20 which claimed the life of a woman who was not buckled up. Trooper Michael Reichart says 35-year-old Candace Henderson was traveling west on the interstate near a rest area in Lincoln Parish went she says she hit something in the road…:

CUT 9 (08)  “lane of travel”

Reichart says the vehicle was then hit by an 18 wheeler…:

CUT 10 (08)  “died at the hospital”

A passenger in Henderson’s vehicle, 28-year-old Kimberly Henderson of Monroe, was not restrained and was ejected and died as a result. Reichart says he can’t stress enough the importance of buckling up…:

cut 11 (05)  “event of a crash”

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LSU’s ticket office says they have about seven-hundred tickets left for the Music City Bowl on December 30th. On that day the 22nd ranked Tigers will take on Notre Dame in Nashville and LSU ticket office manager Brian Broussard is expecting to sell its allotted eight-thousand tickets

cut 12 (11) “over that time”

LSU sold only six-thousand tickets for last year’s Outback Bowl against Iowa. Broussard says an intriguing match-up with Notre Dame and a great bowl destination is helping ticket sales this year

cut 13 (05) “to visit”

Broussard says you can also purchase tickets through Ticketmaster, but the tickets LSU is selling are in a better location…

cut 14 (10) “100 level”

A documentary dubbed the first comprehensive overview of the Deepwater Horizon oil rig explosion and aftermath, will open at the Prytania theater (pre-TAN-ya) in New Orleans today. Michelle Southern reports.

CUT 1 (30) “reporting”

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Democratic Senator Mary Landrieu says goodbye to the Senate. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (29) “reporting”

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The Louisiana Highway Safety Commission announces that DWI patrols will be increased throughout the holiday period as part of their “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign. Scott Carwile reports…

Cut 3 (31) “reporting”

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The Governor’s and Lt Governor’s races are not the only potential hotly contested statewide races next year. It appears as though the race for Attorney General could also be a barn burner after reports that Treasurer John Kennedy is eyeing the seat. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says Kennedy ran for the AG’s office in 1991 and lost so it’s not surprising he’d want to take another shot…:

cut 4  (10)  “for Attorney General”

Pinsonat says Kennedy wouldn’t have a problem raising money and he’s become very popular as state treasurer so his entering the AG’s race would narrow the field big time…:

Cut 5  (11)  “one or two others”

Pinsonat says Kennedy, who has been very vocal and transparent in running the state treasury, has become very popular in Louisiana…:

Cut 6 (13)  “one of the candidates to beat”

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A documentary dubbed the first comprehensive overview of the Deepwater Horizon oil rig explosion and aftermath, will open at the Prytania theater (pre-TAN-ya) in New Orleans today. The film, “The Great Invisible” is directed by Margaret Brown. She says her family has a house on the Alabama coast and they were sending her pictures of the area after the disaster in 2010…:

CUT 7 (14)  “make a film”

Brown says they began filming when the oil came ashore and explored the lives of those in the coastal region who were most immediately affected by the biggest oil-related disaster in the nation’s history:…:

Cut 8 (12)  “since then” 

Brown says many lives in the coastal South are connected to and are reliant upon the oil industry. She says the documentary looks at how all Americans are connected to oil…:

Cut 9 (07)  “thinking about it”

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Democratic US Senator Mary Landrieu gave a farewell speech on the Senate floor yesterday as her third and final term is coming to a close. Landrieu says it’s been a joy to serve in the Senate these last 18 years…

Cut 10 (11) “all of you” 

Landrieu did not say what her future plans hold. The Senator spoke about her achievements while serving as a US Senator, including helping Louisiana receive billions of dollars in federal aid to recover from Hurricanes Katrina and Rita

cut 11 (09) “having it”

Landrieu also touted her efforts when it came to promoting the oil and gas industry and adoption awareness. Her Senate farewell was the first time she spoke publiclly since losing to Republican Bill Cassidy in the Senate run-off and the outgoing senator she’s at peace with what happened

cut 12 (11)  “I accept”

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The Louisiana Highway Safety Commission announces that DWI patrols will be increased throughout the holiday period as part of their “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign. This is a state and national campaign aimed at keeping impaired drivers off the roadways and reducing deadly crashes. Lt. Col. John Leblanc says December is one of the deadliest months on Louisiana roadways…

Cut 13 (11)  “highway crashes”

Leblanc says 59 people were killed statewide in fatal accidents in December last year and 11 people were killed in the four days comprising the Christmas and New Year’s holidays. He says alcohol use was a factor in more than half of the fatalities. Leblanc says this holiday season, they’re working with over 60 law enforcement agencies across the state…

Cut 14 (10)  “drinking and driving”

Last year in Louisiana, police made over 21,000 DWI arrests. Leblanc says getting arrested for DWI or worse, causing a tragic accident, is not a Christmas memory anyone wants. He says it’s important to have a plan if you are going to celebrate during the holiday season…

Cut 15  (08)  “of transportation”

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Five more state champions will be crowned in football this weekend. On Saturday afternoon, the Neville Tigers from Monroe are seeking their 11th state title in school history as they’ll face Warren Easton out of New Orleans on Saturday afternoon. Neville head coach Mickey McCarty says his team is peaking at the right time

Cut 16  (16)  “Warren Easton team”

Warren Easton is led by quarterback Deshawn Capers-Smith, who was named Louisiana Football Gatorade Player of the Year. McCarty says his defense will face a big challenge in trying to slow down Capers-Smith

Cut 17  (18)   “our offense”

In the Five-A Championship game on Saturday night, it will be Destrehan versus the defending champs, the Acadiana Wrecking Rams. The Wildcats last won a football title in 2008 and head coach Stephen Robichaux is trying to complete an undefeated championship season in 2014

Cut 18 (13) “you know”

Destrehan lost to Acadiana in the semi-finals last year. Robichaux says his team knows what they are up against…

Cut 19 (09)   “face em”