A tornado watch is in effect until 11 this morning for southwest Louisiana. The watch box stretches from central Louisiana into north central Louisiana. The National Weather Service says a slow moving cold front has the potential to drop anywhere between two to seven inches of rain.

A fundraiser takes place tonight in Monroe as Congressman Ralph Abraham looks to collect a bunch of money to challenge Governor John Bel Edwards in next year’s governor’s race…
Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

Investigators continue to look for clues that will lead to an arrest in Sunday night’s double homicide in Independence. 42-year-old Daytra Miller and her 13-year-old son Robert West Junior were shot to death by an unknown assailant. Tangipahoa Sheriff Daniel Edwards says Robert’s father has been questioned…
cut 5 (08) “…with us”
Edwards says there’s a 25-hundred dollar reward for information leading to an arrest.

In Shreveport, Louisiana chef John Folse is attempting to make the world’s largest pot of gumbo. Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser is there…
cut 11 (08) “…good seafood”
If you are going to the Independence Bowl, you can purchase a bowl for five-dollars. Proceeds will go to the Fisher House Foundation to provide housing for military families of patients in military and V-A medical centers.

A big fundraiser is scheduled for tonight in Monroe for Republican Congressman Ralph Abraham who is raising cash to challenge Democratic Governor John Bel Edwards. According to his federal campaign finance report, Abraham has 125-thousand dollars left over from his re-election campaign. ULM Political Science Professor Joshua Stockley says legally, Abraham can’t use money for a federal race in state elections, but there is a way around that rule…
cut 9 (11) “….the money”
Abraham’s campaign can not dictate how that cash is spent.

A line of strong storms capable of producing tornadoes is moving through Louisiana at this hour. A tornado watch is in effect until 11 AM for many central Louisiana parishes and all of southwest Louisiana. And there’s a good chance we can see severe weather in southeast Louisiana later today. We are already seeing power outages because of the high winds.

The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s office has issued a 2,500 dollar reward for information leading to an arrest in a double homicide that took the life of a 42-year-old woman and her 13-year-old son in Independence Sunday night. Sheriff Daniel Edwards says the victims likely knew their killer.
Cut 4 (07) “…of violence″
The shooting left Daytra Miller and Robert West Jr. dead in their home.

The Walk-On’s Independence Bowl takes over Shreveport today….
Voicer 2 (30) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart.”

A former death row inmate has moved closer to becoming a free man after he plead guilty to manslaughter in the 1998 killing of a pizza delivery boy in Livingston Parish. Michael Wearry’s original conviction was overturned by the US Supreme Court in 2016, because prosecutors failed to disclose information that could have aided his defense. Livingston District Attorney Scott Perrillloux told the Hammond Daily Star that based on the evidence in the case, this was the best resolution they could get for a horrible crime…
cut 15 (08) “….the entire case”
Wearry will receive credit for time served beginning in 1999, so he could become a free man in 2024.

It’s an active weather day….a tornado watch is in effect until 11 AM for parishes in southwest and central Louisiana. Southeast Louisiana is under a flash flood watch until 6 AM tomorrow.

Investigators continue to track down leads in the double homicide that took place Sunday night in Independence. Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff Daniel Edwards says they are asking the public to come forward with information into the slayings of 45-year-old Daytra Miller and her 13-year-old son Robert West Junior….
cut 6 (11) “…everything out”
Edwards’ office has issued a 25-hundred dollar reward for information leading to an arrest in this double homicide.

The Walk-On’s Independence Bowl is today in Shreveport as Duke takes on Temple. During the pregame fan fest, there will be an attempt to set a Guinness World Record for a pot of gumbo. Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser will be on hand….
Cut 10 (12) “…good Louisiana gumbo.”

A fundraiser takes place tonight in Monroe as Congressman Ralph Abraham looks to collect a bunch of money to challenge Governor John Bel Edwards in next year’s governor’s race…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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The Walk-On’s Independence Bowl has taken over Shreveport.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart.”  

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A former death row inmate who had his conviction overturned by the US Supreme court has pleased guilty to manslaughter and sentenced to 25-years that includes credit for time served.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 3 (29) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

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Tangipahoa Parish Sheriffs have issued a 2,500 dollar reward for information leading to an arrest in a double homicide that took the life of a 42-year-old woman and her 13-year-old son in Independence Sunday night. Sheriff Daniel Edwards says they’ve ruled out the crime being a chance encounter.

Cut 4 (07) “…of violence″

The shooting left Daytra Miller and Robert West Jr. dead in their home on Labruzza Lane.

Police are running down leads and have been in contact with West’s father, who does not reside at the residence. Edwards says the child’s dad has been questioned.

Cut 5 (08) “…with us.”

Edwards is asking anyone with information to come forward. Any information that leads to arrests and indictment may result in compensation from both the TPSO and CrimeStoppers.

Cut 6 (11) “out”

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Congressman Ralph Abraham holds a fundraiser in Monroe tonight for his gubernatorial campaign as he attempts to catch up to the at least five million dollars In campaign funds reported by the Edwards re-election campaign earlier this year. ULM Poli Sci Professor Joshua Stockley says he’ll need a lot of cash on hand, because this race will be remarkably expensive…

Cut 7 (08) “…ten million.”

Baton Rouge businessman and fellow Republican Eddie Rispone has also pledge five million of his own dollars for his own campaign.

Abraham has served for four years in Congress, likely making quite a few deep pocketed contacts. Stockley says there’s a few industries that tend to come in handy for Louisiana Republicans looking to raise campaign funds.

Cut 8 (08) “…DC.″

Those who donate the 5,000 dollar max to Abraham’s campaign will join the honorific “Abraham’s Aces”

And he’s got some cash on hand from his Congressional re-election run as well, but there’s a catch. Legally, you can’t use money raised for federal races in state elections, but there’s a way around that rule.

Cut 9 (10)  “…the money.” 

Abraham’s campaign would not be able to dictate how that cash is spent.

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The Walk-On’s Independence Bowl is happening today in Shreveport as Duke takes on Temple.  Beyond just the game, there will be plenty to do, including sampling a Guinness World Record pot of gumbo.  Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser will be on hand for the Fan Fest in the stadium parking lot.

Cut 10 (12)   “…good Louisiana gumbo.”

Nungesser says the gumbo will be sold at $5 per bowl and the proceeds will go toward the Fisher House Foundation to provide housing for military families of patients in military and VA medical centers.  Don’t worry, there will be plenty to go around.

Cut 11 (08) “…good Louisiana seafood.”

Nungesser says he’s seen plenty of tourists in the area for the game in addition to state residents who have chosen to have a staycation in Shreveport.

Cut 12 (09)   “…like they’re family.”

Kickoff is at 12:30 and the game will be aired on ESPN.

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Former death row inmate Michael Wearry has been sentenced to 25 years in prison as part of a plea deal in the killing of 16-year-old Eric Walber, an Albany High honor student and football player. Walber was robbed, beaten, and run over with his own car after wrapping up his pizza delivery shift in April 1998.  Wearry was among six people convicted in the death, but the US Supreme Court overturned his sentence in 2016.  In audio from the Daily Star in Hammond, District Attorney Scott Perrilloux says the timing of the event and arrest made it a difficult case.

Cut 13 (09) “…back then”

Perrilloux said even prior to the case, there was plenty of discussion as to whether enough evidence was present to prosecute.

Cut 14 (10) “…as of today.”

Perrilloux says attempting to retry a case likely would prove to be a difficult task.  As for his opinion of Wearry…

Cut 15 (08) “…the entire case.”

Wearry will receive credit for time served since March 4, 1999.

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LSU leaves this afternoon for Arizona to continue preparations for its Fiesta Bowl matchup with undefeated U-C-F on New Year’s Day. Before taking a few days off for Christmas, LSU practiced for a couple of weeks in Baton Rouge and Quarterback Joe Burrow says those workouts went well

Cut 16 (18)  walk that line”

LSU enters the game ranked 77th in total offense, averaging 389 yards per game. Burrow, who did not arrive on campus until the middle of the summer, says it took time for this offense to find its rhythm…

 cut 17 (20) “next season”

Burrow says pass protection is one area where the offense has improved the most. Meanwhile, LSU’s defense is getting ready to go up against the nation’s third best offense, U-C-F is averaging 545 yards a game. Tigers defensive back Jacoby Stevens the Knights have a lot of weapons

Cut 18 (20) good team“

CRCL.org is the place to go for Louisianans looking to responsibly recycle their Christmas trees. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”  

After a continued investigation into two homicides that took place on Christmas Day, the Alexandria Police can confirm there is a connection between them.  The investigations are ongoing and more physical evidence from both crime scenes will be processed and examined that may reveal further links and possible motives for the crimes.

Rain is in the forecast today, but the possibility of severe weather exists for tomorrow. C-S Ross with the National Weather Service in Shreveport says a strong line of thunderstorms will enter northwest Louisiana early tomorrow morning

Cut 3 (06) “…as well.”
Ross says large hail is also possible…

Cut 4 (06) “…northern Louisiana.″

Two juveniles were killed this morning in a mobile home fire in the Claiborne Parish town of Homer. State Fire Marshal spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says the ages on the victims are 16 and 4-years-old

Cut 15 (07) “…the home”

Rodrigue says the home did not have working smoking detectors and says four people were able to escape.

The Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana has a new webpage that compiles information about parish efforts to collect and responsibly recycle or dispose of Christmas trees. CRCL spokesperson Jimmy Frederick says CRCL.org makes it easy to know when the trucks will be by to pick up your holiday evergreens.

Cut 6 (10) “…you need.”

The website notes the dates for pickups, along with drop-off deadlines.

Two people are dead following a quadruple shooting in St. James Parish.  Authorities were dispatched on Christmas Eve to the Neighborhood Lounge on Main Street in Lutcher.  One of the four that was hit died at the scene, while another died at a hospital.  Sheriff Willy Martin described the scene as chaotic.

Cut 12 (13)   “…on the road.” 

A strong cold front is heading towards Louisiana that will bring the potential for severe weather and the end to our mild temperatures. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

It could be a hectic shopping week as the National Retail Federation says of the nearly 7,000 people surveyed, 51% say they’ll be out and about shopping through the end of the year. Spokesperson Katherine Cullen says the primary reason appears to be bargain hunters on a post-Christmas binge.

Cut 10 (12) “…gift card buck.”

The Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana has a new webpage that compiles information about parish efforts to collect and responsibly recycle or dispose of Christmas trees. Five parishes are collecting trees for coastal restoration efforts, a program that CRCL spokesperson Jimmy Frederick says dates back to 1989 when a Dutch LSU grad student studied flood prevention efforts in Holland. He says once planted into the bayou, the trees trap sediment, rebuilding the marsh.

Cut 7 (08) “…some land.”

Visit CRCL.org for more information.

Rain is in the forecast today, but the possibility of severe weather exists for tomorrow. C-S Ross with the National Weather Service in Shreveport says north Louisiana is in for a rough ride, but much of the state is under a marginal risk of severe weather on Thursday as the storms move south and to the east…

Cut 5 (08) “…northeast Louisiana.”

Two people are dead following a quadruple shooting in St. James Parish.  Authorities were dispatched on Christmas Eve to the Neighborhood Lounge on Main Street in Lutcher.  Sheriff Willy Martin says investigators are looking into several suspects, but in the chaos, the shooters got away.

Cut 13 (11) “…had four victims.”

The deceased are identified as 20-year-old Thaddeus Watis and 23-year-old Dedrick Paul Green, Jr., both of Convent, Louisiana.

The National Retail Federation says expect heavy crowds at shopping centers  through the weekend.  Of the nearly 7,000 people surveyed, 51% say they’ll be out and about through the end of the year.  NRF spokesperson Katherine Cullen says a big chunk of that crowd is shopping today.

Cut 9 (08) “…after Christmas ends.″

Today is one of the busiest shopping days of the year as some are taking back Christmas gifts, others are using gift cards and then there’s some looking for post-Christmas day bargains. National Retail Federation spokesperson Katherine Cullen says retailers are prepared for the crush…
cut 11 (10) “…spirit of the season”
Cullen says 42-percent of those surveyed say they will wait for a good sale to maximize the value of their gift cards.

Two juveniles were killed in a mobile home fire in the Claiborne Parish town of Homer. State Fire Marshal spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says four others were able to escape…
Cut 16 (11) “…not there.”
Rodrigue says there were no working smoke detectors in the home.

Alexandria Police now say there are definite links in the two fatal shootings that occurred on Christmas Day. Authorities say 58-year-old Wendell Reed knew the two female victims, one was found in her car, the other in a home with Reed. The two women killed have been identified as 33-year-old Tamyra Lea Tison and 59-year-old Iona Louise Gatlin-Reed.

CRCL.org is the place to go for Louisianans looking to responsibly recycle their Christmas trees. Matt Doyle has more.
Cut 2 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

A strong cold front is heading towards Louisiana that will bring the potential for severe weather and the end to our mild temperatures. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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CRCL.org is the place to go for Louisianans looking to responsibly recycle their Christmas trees. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”  

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Rain is in the forecast today, but the possibility of severe weather exists for tomorrow. C-S Ross with the National Weather Service in Shreveport says a strong line of thunderstorms will enter northwest Louisiana early tomorrow morning

Cut 3 (06) “…as well.”

Ross says large hail is also possible…

Cut 4 (06) “…northern Louisiana.″

Ross says the Climate Prediction Center has Caddo, Bossier, DeSoto and Sabine parishes listed as parishes that could see severe weather tomorrow morning before the sun rises. He says much of the state is under a marginal risk of severe weather on Thursday as the storms move south and to the east…

Cut 5 (08) “…northeast Louisiana.”

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The Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana has a new webpage that compiles information about parish efforts to collect and responsibly recycle or dispose of Christmas trees. CRCL spokesperson Jimmy Frederick says CRCL.org makes it easy to know when the trucks will be by to pick up your holiday evergreens.

Cut 6 (10) “…you need.”

The website notes the dates for pickups, along with drop-off deadlines.

Five parishes are collecting trees for coastal restoration efforts, a program that Frederick says dates back to 1989 when a Dutch LSU grad student studied flood prevention efforts in Holland. He says once planted into the bayou, the trees trap sediment, rebuilding the marsh.

Cut 7 (08) “…some land.”

Jefferson, Orleans, St. John, Tangipahoa, and Terrebone Parishes all collect trees for coastal restoration.

Frederick says responsible Christmas tree recycling isn’t just for coastal issues. He notes several other parishes participate in programs that use the trees for positive good, and encourages non-coastal residents to donate their firs to those efforts.

Cut 8 (11) “…other things.”

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The National Retail Federation says expect heavy crowds at shopping centers  through the weekend.  Of the nearly 7,000 people surveyed, 51% say they’ll be out and about through the end of the year.  NRF spokesperson Katherine Cullen says a big chunk of that crowd is shopping today.

Cut 9 (08) “…after Christmas ends.″

Cullen says the primary reason appears to be bargain hunters on a post-Christmas binge.

Cut 10 (12) “…gift card buck.”

Cullen says the combination of shoppers looking for a bargain and those exchanging items may result in heavy crowds at the stores, but that shouldn’t be a problem as retailers are prepared for the crush.

Cut 11 (10) “…spirit of the season.”

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Two people are dead following a quadruple shooting in St. James Parish.  Authorities were dispatched on Christmas Eve to the Neighborhood Lounge on Main Street in Lutcher.  One of the four that was hit died at the scene, while another died at a hospital.  Sheriff Willy Martin described the scene as chaotic.

Cut 12 (13)   “…on the road.” 

Martin says investigators are looking into several suspects, but in the chaos, the shooters got away.

Cut 13 (11) “…had four victims.”

Martin says with the shooting happening during the holiday, it has complicated the investigation.

Cut 14 (13) “…give us some leads.”
Crimestoppers is offering $5000 for information that leads to the arrest.

The deceased are identified as 20-year-old Thaddeus Watis and 23-year-old Dedrick Paul Green, Jr., both of Convent, Louisiana.  The two others transported to the hospital were 25-year-old Jerrell Moody and a 15-year-old male.  No motive is known for the shooting at this time.

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