The year-end holiday travel period, as defined by AAA, begins today and this year is expected to reach the highest level on record. Jeff Palermo reports…:
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The Franklin Parish Sheriff’s Office is investigating a disturbing case of a 74-year-old woman who was allegedly kidnapped and tossed in a trunk at her home in Cataholua Parish. They say she was able to escape in Wisner and when cops made contact with the suspect, 32 year-old Jimmy Edward Franklin, he fired upon deputies. He faces numerous charges including aggravated kidnapping, rape and arson.

Unfortunately the flu season arrives with the holiday season, but Dr. Frank Welch with the Department of Health has some ways people can avoid getting sick when celebrating with others…:
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He there are a lot of sniffles going around as the number of flu cases is up about 1.5% over the past week or so.

Only hours remain to finish up your Christmas shopping in time for the big day. LSU marketing professor Ofer Mintz has some advice for people heading out to fight the crowds the day before Christmas Eve…:
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He says the most popular present to get at this late in the game is a gift card which many people enjoy.