06:30 Newscast December 29, 2014

According to the latest Southern Media and Opinion Research poll, likely voters in Louisiana don’t have an answer for how the legislature should fill a $1.4 billion dollar budget hole next year. Pollster Bernie Pinsonat says the numbers show people don’t want to see any more cuts to higher education, but they also don’t want taxes raised…

cut 7 (06) “on what to do”

Pinsonat says it’s going to take the next Governor to come up with with a program that combines a few taxes here, a few cuts there…then get out and try to sell the plan to voters.

The 2014 year in weather will go down as the year of the polar vortex. State Climatologist Barry Keim says this polar vortex produced four rounds of mixed precipitation here…:

cut 4 (11) “Mardi Gras Day”

He says this large pocket of very cold air has been around for a while but it was really brought to life this year in Louisiana.

This time of year in Louisiana sees an increase of deer spotted on roadways and state officials are urging motorists to use extreme caution to avoid deer collisions. State Farm spokesman Gary Stephenson says a collision with a deer could be costly and even deadly. He says Louisiana had about 9800 deer-auto collisions in the past year ending July 1…

cut 13 (11) “hit a deer”

He says there was about $38 million in damage from deer-auto collisions in the past year.

AM Newscall December 29th, 2014

State Climatologist Barry Keim recaps the 2014 year in Louisiana weather. Michelle Southern reporting.

CUT 1 (32) “reporting”

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According to the latest Southern Media and Opinion Research poll, likely voters in Louisiana don’t have an answer for how the legislature should fill a $1.4 billion dollar budget hole next year. Michelle Southern reporting.

Cut 2 (28) “reporting”

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This time of year in Louisiana sees an increase of deer spotted on roadways and state officials are urging motorists to use extreme caution to avoid deer collisions. Eric Gill reports…

Cut 3 (30) “reporting”

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The 2014 year in weather will go down as the year of the polar vortex. State Climatologist Barry Keim says this large pocket of very cold air has been around for a while but it was really brought to life this year in Louisiana. He says this polar vortex produced four rounds of mixed precipitation here…:

cut 4  (11)  “Mardi Gras Day”

Keim says those frosty episodes included freezing rain, sleet and some snow which lead to the closure of many roads and bridges and even I-10 and I-12…:

Cut 5  (10)  “downright cruel”

Keim says this year the heaviest rainfall days were May 27th and 28th with a storm total of 17.7 inches at Convent with several other surrounding sites over 12 inches. He says another inception of the polar front came in the form of five summer cold fronts bringing in relief to blistering hot days. Keim says we’ve now had no hurricane activity in Louisiana for a second year in a row…:

Cut 6 (08)  “in my book”

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According to the latest Southern Media and Opinion Research poll, likely voters in Louisiana don’t have an answer for how the legislature should fill a $1.4 billion dollar budget hole next year. Pollster Bernie Pinsonat says the numbers show people don’t want to see any more cuts to higher education, but they also don’t want taxes raised…:

CUT 7 (06)  “on what to do”

Pinsonat says we keep having these recurring deficits so he predicts lawmakers will do what they’ve done every year which is nothing…:

Cut 8 (11)  “special exemption taxes” 

Pinsonat says it’s going to take the next Governor to come up with with a program that combines a few taxes here, a few cuts there…then get out and try to sell the plan to voters. He says there does seem to be interest in cutting out certain tax incentives in order to help balance the budget..:

Cut 9 (06)  “tax the other person”

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State Police Col Mike Edmonson is saying thanks to the more than 100,000 followers they have on Facebook heading into 2015. He says it took just three years to get so many people on board with wanting to remain informed about what’s going on with the state’s law enforcement…:

Cut 10 (08) “to prepare for those” 

The site is Facebook.com/LousianaState Police. Edmonson says they worked hard to get over 100,000 before the end of the year and it’s gone above and beyond. He says they pledge to continue providing real time updates:

cut 11 (15) “to hear”

Edmonson says their Facebook page includes news, photos and videos of emergency incidents, community events and topics that directly affect the citizens of Louisiana. He is very grateful so many people have jumped on board and shared important information with their other friends…:

cut 12 (10)  “100,000 likes”

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This time of year in Louisiana sees an increase of deer spotted on roadways and state officials are urging motorists to use extreme caution to avoid deer collisions. State Farm spokesman Gary Stephenson says a collision with a deer could be costly and even deadly. He says Louisiana had about 9800 deer-auto collisions in the past year ending July 1…

Cut 13 (11)  “hit a deer”

He says these are the most dangerous months in terms of deer-auto collisions because the animals are very active searching for food and a mate. Stephenson says the most active times for deer movement are early morning and early evening…

Cut 14 (12)  “of the survey”

He says there was about $38 million in damage from deer-auto collisions in the past year. Stephenson says motorists should use common sense when driving this time of year to avoid a deer-auto collision…

Cut 15  (12)  “things to remember”

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An ugly 2014 New Orleans Saints football season is officially behind us. Many Black & Gold faithful now wonder what happens next. NFL Analyst Mike Detillier says the salary cap will play a big role for next year’s Saints team. He says, first, several veterans will be asked to rework their contract to save money under the cap. Then, Detillier says the team needs to go to the “Bank of Brees”…

Cut 16  (09)  “room, cap-wise”  

He says the team should focus on getting a center and cornerback through free agency and work to get a big time pass rusher through the draft. Detillier says it wouldn’t be surprising to see some coaching changes on the Saints’ sideline, either…

Cut 17 (09)  “football team”

Detillier calls the 2014 season the most disappointing season in the history of the franchise because of the expectations going in. But he says with the right personnel moves, the team can get right back in it. Detillier reminds the Black & Gold faithful of 2005…

Cut 18 (12) “Championship Game”

 

10:30 Newscast December 27th, 2014

As the result of this rain event, the National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch for all of south Louisiana. This watch will remain in effect through tomorrow afternoon. Showers started late last night and are now more widespread across the region. The precipitation will be heaviest along the Basin and areas to the east with places between Baton Rouge and New Orleans getting several inches of rain.

US Senator David Vitter is asking Louisianans to go see the movie “The Interview”. Eric Gill reports..:
CUT 2 (27) “reporting”

It’s unhappy Christmas present return time and another busy few days at stores and malls as folks exchange or bring back gifts they didn’t like. Cynthia Albert, with the Better Business Bureau says there are a few things to be aware of if you’re making a return. She says first of all you need to find out what the store’s policy is…:
CUT 6 (08) “store policy”
She says if you have any trouble making a return you think you’re entitled to, give them a call at the BBB.

The Duck Commander Independence Bowl kicks off tomorrow afternoon in Shreveport. South Carolina will play the University of Miami. Media Relations Director, Stefan (STEF-an) Nolet (NO-lay), says both squads have passionate fan bases and is hopeful the distance to Shreveport doesn’t keep them away…:
CUT 13 (07) “play each other”
The game will kickoff at 2:30 and be televised on ABC. This is the first time the I-Bowl will be on national broadcast network television since 1991.

09:30 Newscast December 27th, 2014

There’s a flash flood watch in effect for southeast Louisiana as scattered heavy rain and thunderstorms are rolling through…:
CUT 1 (29) “reporting”

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries says they hope to release 14 young whooping cranes into a southwest Louisiana swamp tomorrow. Biologists say adults released in earlier years show up when the young birds are penned. The cranes arrived December 4th from Maryland and Wisconsin.

US Senator David Vitter wants us to go see the movie “The Interview”. The film depicts the assassination of North Korean Leader Kim Jong-un and had originally been pulled from release after Sony was hacked apparently by the country. It is now being shown in select theaters and Vitter says it’s important that ALL Americans stand up to dictatorship:
CUT 9 (08) “The Interview”
Vitter says he will be seeing the movie with adult members of his family at Chalmette Movies on Monday. It is also being shown at Hollywood Cinemas in LaPlace and the Robinson Center in Shreveport.

The Duck Commander Independence Bowl kicks this afternoon in Shreveport. The matchup features South Carolina and the University of Miami. Media Relations Director, Stefan (STEF-an) Nolet (NO-lay), says the excitement level has been high for this game since they made the announcement…:
CUT 12 (09) “that’s huge”
The game will kickoff at 2:30 and be televised on ABC.

 

08:30 Newscast December 27th, 2014

There is a flood watch in effect for southeast Louisiana this weekend until 6pm tomorrow. Rain projections could be between 2-5 inches with locally higher amounts possible according to Gavin Phillips with the National Weather Service in Slidell. He says dryer conditions and cooler temperatures lie ahead as we enter next week…but wet weather will be back soon…:
CUT 5 (08) “time period”

Might be a good weekend to catch a movie inside. That’s what Senator David Vitter is hoping we’ll do to go see The Interview and send a message to North Korea that America doesn’t tolerate cyber attacks. Vitter says he’s also written a letter to President Obama asking him to show the movie at the White House for Members of Congress…:
CUT 11 (10) “and cyber attacks”
Vitter also cautions the movie is rated R and might be considered crude to some.

Lots of folks will be out and about shopping this weekend and returning Christmas presents that either weren’t popular or didn’t fit. Cynthia Albert, with the Better Business Bureau says there are a few things to be aware of if you’re making a return. She says first of all you need to find out what the store’s policy is…:
CUT 6 (08) “store policy”
She says if you are having a problem returning something and think you’re entitled to a refund you can call your local Better Business Bureau.

A national media report has labeled Louisiana as the number one place to produce movies. The report , featured on morning television Friday, pointed out Louisiana leads Canada and California as locations of productions. Eighteen movies released last year were shot here.

 

07:30 Sportscast December 27th, 2014

It was another amazing performance last night by Anthony Davis and New Orleans as the Pels pick up the 97-90 victory inside the Smoothie Kin Center. Davis has 22 points and 12 rebounds along with five blocks. The Pelicans earned consecutive wins over the Spurs for the first time in team history.

As the Saints head into their last game this season tomorrow at Tampa Bay, the team has placed running back Pierre Thomas and defensive lineman Akiem Hicks on injured reserve. Thomas was injured in the Atlanta game and Hicks has been limited in practice with an ankle injury. Sunday’s game kicks off at noon.

Louisiana Tech beat Illinois 35-18 in the Heart of Dallas Bowl on Friday in a game loaded with big plays. Kenneth Dixon becomes the Bulldogs career leader in yards rushing finishing with 63 and a total 3,410 in three seasons. Tech wraps up the season now at 9-and-5. This is their first bowl since 2008 and just the second nine win season in the past 17 years.

It looks like the LSU football team will be adding a new quarterback next season as Caleb Lewis, a Lakeland Florida native, will enroll early in January as preferred walk-on. He’s the Class 2A player of the year in Florida.

This afternoon in Shreveport the Duck Commander Independence Bowl will kickoff at 2:30. The game between South Carolina and the University of Miami will be on ABC and it’s the first time the I-Bowl is a national broadcast network television since 1991. With Duck Commander being the game sponsor, Bowl Media Relations Director Stefan Nolay says you’ll see the Robertson family in full force…:
CUT 14 (09) “after the game”
He says the excitement level for this game is huge.

 

16:45 Sportscast December 26th, 2014

Today in the Heart of Dallas Bowl Louisiana Tech made big plays and ended up prevailing over Illinois 35-18. The Bulldogs scored three of its four touchdowns on huge game moments including a 70-yard completion to Carlos Henderson late in the 4th quarter that helped set up the game-clinching touchdown. Tech wraps up the season now at 9-and-5. This is their first bowl since 2008 and just the second nine win season in the past 17 years.

The SEC placed a total of 12 teams in bowl games this year including #22 LSU who will take on Notre Dame in Tuesday’s Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl in Nashville.

The Pelicans return to the Smoothie King Center tonight to take on the defending NBA champion San Antonio Spurs. The Spurs come into tonight’s contest having lost seven of their last ten. The Pels are 6-4 in their last ten matchups. Tipoff is at 7PM.

Tomorrow afternoon in Shreveport the Duck Commander Independence Bowl will kickoff at 2:30. The game between South Carolina and the University of Miami will be on ABC and it’s the first time the I-Bowl is a national broadcast network television since 1991. With Duck Commander being the game sponsor, Bowl Media Relations Director Stefan Nolay says you’ll see the Robertson family in full force…:
CUT 14 (09) “after the game”
He says the excitement level for this game is huge.

According to a new report several secondary ticket sales sites have Sugar Bowl tickets available for about 1/3 below market rates. Some sites even list upper level seats for less than $200 a ticket to the Alabama/Ohio State national semifinal match-up in New Orleans.

 

15:30 Newscast December 26th, 2014

US Senator David Vitter is asking Louisianans to go see the movie “The Interview”. Eric Gill reports…:
CUT 2 (27) “reporting”
Speaking of movies Louisiana has been proclaimed the movie capital of the world by CBS news.

With today’s check on the nice gas prices, the American Automobile Association says the current statewide average for a gallon of regular in Louisiana is $2.18. That’s down 12 cents from this time last week and it’s 92 cents lower than this time in 2013.

A flood watch is in effect for southeast Louisiana until 6 p.m. Sunday. Gavin Phillips, with the National Weather Service in Slidell, says Louisiana will see a lot of rain this weekend…:
CUT 4 (07) “amounts possible”
Phillips says the storms should end late Sunday afternoon into the evening.

The Duck Commander Independence Bowl kicks off tomorrow afternoon in Shreveport. South Carolina will play the University of Miami. Media Relations Director, Stefan (STEF-an) Nolet (NO-lay), says both squads have passionate fan bases and is hopeful the distance to Shreveport doesn’t keep them away…:
CUT 13 (07) “play each other”
The game will kickoff at 2:30 and be televised on ABC. This is the first time the I-Bowl will be on national broadcast network television since 1991.

 

**Correction on time…this is the14:30 Newscast December 26th, 2014

Scattered heavy rain and thunderstorms are expected to roll through Louisiana this weekend. Eric Gill reports…:
CUT 1 (29) “reporting”

A man was killed and two juveniles were injured in a downtown Shreveport shooting early this morning. Police say the deaceased, 52-year-old Robert Swenson, was likely an innocent bystander when he was gunned down in the Best Western Parking lot after the teens had just been kicked out of a Christmas Party for fighting. The shooting remains under investigation.

US Senator David Vitter sent a letter to campaign supporters Friday morning urging them to go see the movie the Interview. The cyber-attack on Sony Pictures, apparently from communist North Korea, has the conservitive Republican inviting people to see the film to send a message that Americans don’t tolerate such actions. Vitter says please keep in mind that the movie is rated “R” and some people may consider it crude.
CUT 10 (09) “to North Korea”
Vitter has also asked President Obama to screen the film at the White House for Congress.

If you’re returning some gifts today there are a few things you shuold know. Cynthia Albert with the Better Business Bureau says they get a lot of calls after Christmas with complaints about stores not taking back items like that sweater that didn’t fit…:
CUT 7 (04) “it may be theres”
She says know the return policy beforehand and if you need help you can call the BBB.

PM Newscall December 26th, 2014

Scattered heavy rain and thunderstorms are expected to roll through Louisiana this weekend. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 1 (29) “reporting”

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US Senator David Vitter is asking Louisianans to go see the movie “The Interview”. Eric Gill reports.

CUT 2 (27) “reporting”

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Scattered heavy rain and thunderstorms are expected to roll through Louisiana this weekend. Gavin Phillips, with the National Weather Service in Slidell, says a Flash Flood Watch is being placed in effect for a majority of southeast Louisiana starting at midnight Friday night…

CUT 3 (08)  “and evening”

Rain is expected to continue to fall across most of the state through Sunday. Phillips says the state will see significant amounts of precipitation this weekend…

CUT 4 (07)  “amounts possible”

Two to five inches of rain is expected, with locally higher amounts possible. Phillips says the storms should end late Sunday afternoon into the evening. He says dryer conditions and cooler temperatures lie ahead as we enter next week. But Phillips says more wet weather could be on the way later in the week…

CUT 5 (08)  “time period”

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It’s unhappy Christmas present return time and another busy few days at stores and malls as folks exchange or bring back gifts they didn’t like. Cynthia Albert, with the Better Business Bureau says there are a few things to be aware of if you’re making a return. She says first of all you need to find out what the store’s policy is…:

CUT 6 (08)  “store policy”

Albert says the BBB gets a lot of calls after Christmas with complaints about stores not taking back items like that sweater that didn’t fit…:

CUT 7 (04) “it may be theres”

Albert says it’s always important to get information about return policies up front but if you are having a problem returning something you can call your local Better Business Bureau…:

CUT 8 (03) “Santa will show up”

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US Senator David Vitter is asking Louisianans to go see the movie “The Interview”. The film depicts the assassination of North Korean Leader Kim Jong-un and had originally been pulled from release after Sony was hacked apparently by the country. It is now being shown in select theaters and Vitter says it’s important that ALL Americans stand up to dictatorship

CUT 9 (08)  “The Interview”

Vitter says he will be seeing the movie with adult members of his family at Chalmette Movies on Monday. It is also being shown at Hollywood Cinemas in LaPlace and the Robinson Center in Shreveport. Vitter says please keep in mind that the movie is rated “R” and some people may consider it crude.

CUT 10 (09)  “to North Korea”

Vitter says he’s also written a letter to President Obama asking him to show the movie at the White House for Members of Congress. He says that would be another clear signal and strong message to North Korea…:

cut 11 (10)  “and cyber attacks”

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The Duck Commander Independence Bowl kicks off Saturday afternoon in Shreveport. This year’s matchup sees South Carolina facing off with the University of Miami. Media Relations Director, Stefan (STEF-an) Nolet (NO-lay), says the excitement level has been high for this game since they made the announcement…

cut 12 (09) “that’s huge”

Miami and South Carolina come into this game looking to put a positive end on disappointing seasons. Both teams are 6-6 on the season. But Nolet says both squads have passionate fan bases and is hopeful the distance to Shreveport doesn’t keep them away…

cut 13 (07) “play each other”

The game will kickoff at 2:30 and be televised on ABC. This is the first time the I-Bowl will be on national broadcast network television since 1991. With Duck Commander being the game sponsor, Nolet says you can expect to see the Robertson family out in full force…

cut 14 (09) “after the game”

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