More than 30,000 Louisiana homeowners are looking for new property insurance after a Florida company announced its leaving sooner than it had planned. Marsanne Golsby reports

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Marsanne Golsby.”

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There are a few notable races on the December 10^th ballot, Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (38) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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The LHSAA Prep Football Classic kicked off last night in the Caesars Superdome. This year’s Classic will feature perennial contenders as well as some up-and-coming schools making their long-awaited returns to the Dome. Kace Kieschnick has the story.

Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

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Louisiana Commissioner of Insurance Jim Donelon says a Florida-based company that writes homeowners insurance is leaving Louisiana and several other states because of an insurance crisis in Florida, not conditions in Louisiana.

Donelon says United Property and Casualty, or UPC announced last year it would be leaving Louisiana and several other states.

Cut 4 (09)  “…state of Florida.”

The company has about 36,000 policyholders in Louisiana and will stop renewing policies beginning next year. Donelon says UPC was in trouble before Hurricane Ian devastated Florida in September. Donelon says Florida’s insurance market is in deep trouble.

Cut 5 (10) “…in Florida.”

Louisiana did not get hit by a hurricane this year, but Donelon says the fact that Ian hit Florida also hurts Louisiana policyholders.

Cut 6 (09)  “…coastal states.” 

Donelon says he is aggressively trying to get more insurance companies to move here. He declined to provide an estimate of the number of insurers who have left Louisiana but others estimate ten have left in the last year.

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A recent survey by the U.S. Energy Information Administration indicates electricity prices in Louisiana are two cents cheaper than the national average. And while customers in the state have seen their power bill steadily increase, Public Service Commissioner Foster Campbell says it has to do with the price of natural gas.

Cut 7 (10) “…goes up.”

In 2021 the average retail price for electricity in Louisiana was 8.82 cents per kilowatt hour compared to the national average of 11.10 cents an hour.

Campbell says Louisiana is making strides in creating and using new sources of clean energy and he predicts prices will decrease as a result. For example, North Louisiana is using wind power from Kansas…

Cut 8 (06)  “…lot cleaner.”

Campbell says about five solar plants are being constructed in northwest Louisiana and three more in the New Roads area.

Cut 9 (07)  “…better off.”

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Overall voter turnout is expected to be low for the December 10^th election, but there are a few notable races. La Politics-dot-com Publisher Jeremy Alford says the race for Public Service Commission in the 3^rd District has Incumbent Lambert Boissiere facing off with Davante Lewis who’s a formidable candidate.

Cut 10 (09) “…this race.” 

The Shreveport mayoral race has Gregory Tarver and Tom Arceneaux in a runoff. Incumbent Democrat Adrian Perkins failed to garner enough votes, but Alford says he along with two previous Democratic mayors, have endorsed the Republican candidate.

Cut 11 (05)  “…Shreveport attorney.”

The only race for Parish President is in Plaquemines, where Alford says a downturn in the economy is playing a central role in the oil and gas parish.

Cut 12 (11) “…President’s race.”

There are also mayoral races in Hammond, Kentwood, Crowley, and Zachary. In addition to three statewide constitutional amendments, 28 parishes have local propositions on the ballot.

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The LHSAA Prep Football Classic kicked off last night in the Caesars Superdome. Some big names will headline this year’s Prep Classic like Union Parish’s Trey Holly. Holly became the leading rusher in Louisiana high school history earlier this year with over 10,000 career yards and is committed to LSU. Union Parish coach Joe Spatafora says his focus and determination are what set him apart…

Cut 13 (11) “…fun to coach.”

Dunham will look to dethrone defending champion St. Charles Catholic this afternoon behind quarterback Jackson House. The son of LSU defensive coordinator Matt House, Dunham Coach Neil Weiner says he was able to learn from his father in the offseason and win over the locker room quickly…

Cut 14 (11)  “…he’s been great.”

Destrehan hopes to spoil Ruston’s first appearance in a state title game since 1998 tonight. Destrehan is led by Quarterback Jai Eugene, who is the son of former LSU DB Micah Eugene. Jai is a three-year starter at quarterback and Tulane commit who Destrehan Coach Marcus Scott says is focused on winning…

Cut 15 (12)  “…something special”

Dunham and St. Charles Catholic will kick off at 3:30 Friday

Destrehan and Ruston are set to play at 7:30 Friday night.

Union Parish faces Many at 3:30 on Saturday.

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Cut  16 (13)  “…to get here.” 

Cut 17 (17) “….message was” 

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Cut 18 (21) “…great situation” 

Cut 19 (18) “….to get there”

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As flu cases continue to rise, Louisiana health officials are urging us to get flu shots…and COVID boosters – as soon as possible. LSU health’s Dr. Catherine O’Neal says, with the holidays coming, you want to avoid getting or spreading the viruses. She says, as we age, the body’s memory of the last vaccine wanes sooner so it’s important to get boosted…:

CUT 06(11)      “…get it today.”

Dr. O’Neal says the same also applies to kids ages five and older.

State Wildlife & Fisheries says bird flu is turning up in wild birds in numerous parishes. LWF’s Dr. Jim LaCour says the virus spreads easily from bird-to-bird…:

CUT 09(07)      “…better part of a year.”

Bird flu poses little risk to humans

State Police credit two Good Samaritans with saving the lives of a family whose car went off an Assumption Parish road Wednesday and plunged into deep muddy water. Trooper 1^st Class Ross Brennan says Jeff Lapeyrouse (Lap-uh-roos) and Chase Dupre were in another vehicle, witnessed the crash, and stopped to help. He says they waded into the chilly water and mud mix and were able to open a door from the outside and get the family out before the Toyota sedan was completely submerged…:

CUT 13(09)      “…right before Christmas.”

Yet another property insurance company announces it is leaving Louisiana. This time, it’s Florida-based UPC – United Property & Casualty – who cover about 36-thousand homes in the state. The state Department of Insurance says UPC is the 10^th property insurer to exit the state due to the high cost of settling hurricane claims.

A Shreveport woman has been arrested for failure to report her son missing. The Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office says 41-year-old Stephanie Horache waited three days to report her teenage son missing. The child was found Monday and she was issued a summons to appear in court. Louisiana law requires that a child under the age of thirteen is presumed missing if there’s been no contact for 24 hours.

Congressman Troy Carter has been elected Regional Whip by the Democratic Caucus for the 118th Congress that will convene in January. His leadership role along with key roles Republican members of Louisiana’s congressional delegation will play next year, Carter says gives the state extra clout in DC.

Cut 5 (10) “…good place.”

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries says the bird flu has spread into more parishes. Wildlife veterinarian Dr. Jim LcCour says he expects it to keep spreading until it reaches a peak in the Spring and then subsides.

Cut 11 (06)  “…last time.”

Birds in Avoyelles, Calcasieu, Morehouse, Ouachita, and Richland parishes have tested positive so far.

State Police Troop C says two Good Samaritans are to thank for saving a family of four after their vehicle went off the road and into a canal. Trooper 1st Class Ross Brennan says the Toyota sedan went off Highway 182 in Assumption Parish and could not get their doors open. Two men – Jeff Lapeyrouse (LAP-uh-roos) and Chase Dupre witnessed the crash and jumped to action…:

CUT 12(08)      “…to safety.”

Brennan says Troop C will nominate the men for the LSP’s annual Lifesaver Award.

Last night the US House approved the National Defense Authorization Act and New Orleans Congressman Troy Carter says there’s funding included in the act that will directly impact Louisiana.

Cut 4 (13)  “…Orleans parish” 

Carter has also been elected to serve as Regional Whip by the Democratic Caucus, he’ll assume that role in January.

State Wildlife and Fisheries say the bird flu has spread into more parishes in Louisiana. Wildlife veterinarian Dr. Jim LaCour says hunters who are exposed to areas, like flooded fields where they could come into contact with contaminated birds should be especially careful to limit the spread.

Cut 10 (09) “…kill the poultry.” 

Two Good Samaritans saved a family of four after their vehicle went off the road and into a canal. Trooper Ross Brennan says two men – Jeff Lapeyrouse (LAP-uh-roos) and Chase Dupre witnessed the crash and saved them. Brennan says his division will nominate them for the State Police’s annual Lifesaver Award…:

Cut 14 (12)   “…in saving lives.”

Health experts are urging the public to be up to date on their COVID boosters and flu shot before gathering with loved ones for the holidays. LSU Health Sciences Infectious Disease specialist Dr. Catherine O’Neal says it’s not just seniors that need to be vaccinated but children as well.

Cut 8 (09)  “…five years old.“

Health experts are urging the public to get their flu shot and boosted for COVID as soon as possible. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1(33)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries experts say bird flu is spreading in Louisiana.  Marsanne Golsby reports the agency is keeping track of the spread by sampling birds.

Cut 2 (28)  “…I’m Marsanne Golsby”

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Congressman Troy Carter has been elected to Regional Whip by the Democratic Caucus. The Region includes Louisiana, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, North Carolina, and South Carolina. Carter says he wants more focus on a multitude of issues critical to the region like…

Cut 3 (09) “…infrastructure.” 

Last night the House approved the National Defense Authorization Act and Carter says there’s funding included in the act that will directly impact Louisiana.

Cut 4 (13)  “…Orleans Parish.” 

Carter’s Democratic leadership position for the 118th Congress in January along with key roles Republican members of Louisiana’s congressional delegation will play, Carter says the state is in good hands.

Cut 5 (10) “…good place.”

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Health experts are urging the public to be up to date on their COVID boosters and flu shot before gathering with loved ones for the holidays. LSU Health Sciences Infectious Disease specialist Dr. Catherine O’Neal says as we age the body’s memory of the last vaccine wanes sooner so it’s important to get boosted.

Cut 6 (11)  “…get it today.”

Gatherings tend to place individuals in close proximity to one another and it’s a breeding ground for viruses. O’Neal says it’s proven that viral seasons are spearheaded by the holidays.

Cut 7 (05)  “…holiday season.”

Both COVID and the flu tend to be much harder on older adults and this year families want to make up for gatherings that were limited the last two. O’Neal says it’s not just seniors that need to be vaccinated but children as well.

Cut 8 (08)  “…five years old.“

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The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries says Avian Influenza or bird flu has spread into more parishes in Louisiana. Dr. Jim LaCour, Department of Wildlife and Fisheries wildlife veterinarian, says the virus travels with infected birds.

Cut 9 (07) “….a year.” 

He says his staff is sampling birds throughout Louisiana to keep track of the virus. He says birds from Avoyelles, Calcasieu, Morehouse, Ouachita, and Richland parishes have tested positive. He says geese, pelicans, eagles, hawks, and vultures, have tested positive—and domestic poultry is highly vulnerable.

LaCour says the CDC considers the virus to be low risk to humans, but hunters who are exposed to areas, such as flooded fields, where they could come into contact with contaminated birds ought to be especially careful.

Cut 10 (09) “…kill the poultry.” 

LaCour says hunters should keep their hunting clothes away from their other clothes until they get a chance to wash them in extremely hot water because the virus thrives in cold water. He says he expects it to keep spreading until it reaches a peak in the Spring and then subsides.

Cut 11 (06)  “…last time.”

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State Police Troop C says two Good Samaritans are to thank for saving a family of four after their vehicle went off the road and into a canal. Trooper 1st Class Ross Brennan says the Toyota sedan off Highway 182 in Assumption Parish and could not get their doors open. Two men – Jeff Lapeyrouse (LAP-uh-roos) and Chase Dupre witnessed the crash and jumped to action…:

Cut 12 (07) “…to safety.” 

Trooper Brennan says the men waded into the chilly water and mud mix and were able to open a door from the outside and get the family out before the Toyota sedan was completely submerged…:

Cut 13 (09) “…right before Christmas.”  

Thanks to the fast action of Lapeyrouse (who is from Bourg) and Dupre (from Chauvin), the two adults and two children were safely removed from a dangerous situation. Brennan says LSP Troop C will nominate them for the State Police’s annual Lifesaver Award…:

Cut 14 (11)   “…in saving lives.”

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Cut 15 (09) “…situation.”

Cut  16 (07)  “…coroners office.”

Health experts are urging the public to be up to date on their COVID boosters and flu shot before gathering with loved ones for the holidays. LSU Health Sciences Infectious Disease specialist Dr. Catherine O’Neal says it’s proven that viral seasons are spearheaded by the holidays.

Cut 7 (05)  “…holiday season.”

Congressman Troy Carter has been elected to Regional Whip by the Democratic Caucus. The Region includes Louisiana, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, North Carolina, and South Carolina. Carter says he wants more focus on a multitude of issues critical to the region like…

Cut 3 (10) “…infrastructure.” 

Carter says he’s honored to take on the role and lend Louisiana’s vice to the Democratic leadership.

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries experts say bird flu is spreading in Louisiana. Marsanne Golsby on how the department is tracking it.

Cut 2 (28)  “…I’m Marsanne Golsby”

A Baton Rouge TV station reports that Charles Lee, the father of J’ahrei Paul, who died of a fentanyl overdose in October remains at large.  The J’ahrei was the infant that the Department of Children and Family Services was alerted about that he might be in danger just before his death. Secretary Marketa Garner Walters resigned shortly after.

Students are mourning the tragic death of three Southern University Human Jukebox band members; Whitney Thomas has the story.

Cut 1 (29) “I’m Whitney Thomas.”

Funeral services were held in Covington yesterday for retired priest Father Otis Young. Young was murdered a week ago and his body was found along with his assistant, Ruth Prats burned beyond recognition. Services for Prats will be held Saturday. The man accused of their murders is being held at Angola.

AlexWinterFete kicks off at 5 PM today in Alexandria. It begins tonight and continues for four days. Event manager Liz Lowery says she’s expecting approximately 40,000 people will attend this year’s festival.

Cut 10 (09) “…interest in.” 

The annual event features local food vendors, booths for holiday shopping, music, parade, ice skating rink and the big guy himself Santa Claus.

The 2022 LHSAA Prep Football Classic kicks off today in the Superdome as eight champions will be crowned over the next three days. Earlier in the football season, the LHSAA Executive Committee approved a new postseason format and association executive director Eddie Bonine says it’s led to more competitive games

Cut 14 (10)  “…all belong.”

Students are mourning the tragic deaths of three Southern University Human Jukebox band members killed while changing a tire near Natchitoches on Tuesday night. The school is offering grief counseling and student, Issah Clay, says the three band members were well-thought-of.

Cut 7 (09) “..honor their names.”

The Pelican Institute for Public Policy has compiled crime data in the state to see what works and what doesn’t. Vice President for Policy and Strategy with the Institute Erin Bendily (ben-dah-lee) says programs designed to rehabilitate nonviolent criminals, for example, drug offenders, are keeping the recidivism rate down.

Cut 13 (08) “…with employment.”

In Lafayette qualifying for the mayoral race is still months away but two residents say they are launching their campaigns next week. Attorney Jan Swift and incumbent Mayor Josh Guillory have scheduled announcements on December 15^th.  Both candidates are Republicans.

The 2022 state football championships kick off later today in the Caesars Superdome. Jeff Palermo has more on high school football’s premier event…

Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Students are mourning the tragic death of three Southern University Human Jukebox band members, Whitney Thomas has the story.

Cut 1 (29) “I’m Whitney Thomas.”

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Crime data compiled by the Pelican Institute for Public Policy shows a reduction in property crimes, but violent crime is up. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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The 2022 state football championships kick off later today in the Caesars Superdome. Jeff Palermo has more on high school football’s premier event…

Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Students are mourning the tragic deaths of three Southern University Human Jukebox band members killed while changing a tire near Natchitoches on Tuesday night. The victims have been identified as 19-year-old Tyran Williams, 21-year-old Dylan Young, and 19-year-old Broderick Moore, all of Texas. Former band member Keymonte Avery says this is unsettling because of how close their members are.

Cut 4 (11)  “…different feeling.”

According to State Police, a tractor-trailer driven by Clyde Gay, of Coushatta, drifted into the shoulder, hitting the Jeep, and immediately killed the three students. Avery says this is surreal for the Southern community.

Cut 5 (08) “…to Sunday.”

Gay sustained no injuries however,  laboratory tests will be done to check for any impairment. Issah Clay, a current Southern University student says the victims were well-rounded and will be missed.

Cut 6 (07)  “…on campus.” 

Southern Chancellor Dennis Shields sent a letter of condolence to the families and students affected. On-campus counseling has also been offered to assist students in emotional need. Clay says the students were legacies to be honored.

Cut 7 (09) “..honor their names.”

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It’s the season for Christmas festivals and Alexandria has one they are very proud of. AlexWinterFete kicks off this evening at five and continues for four days. Event manager Liz Lowery says the location is convenient for a nice little road trip.

Cut 8 (08)  “…for the night.”

She says the free, family-friendly festival is the sister festival to Alex River Fete, held in May. She says the 2017 AlexWinterFete was named Festival of the Year by the Louisiana Department of Tourism.

It features local food vendors, booths for holiday shopping, music, Santa Claus, and a Christmas parade. She says the ice skating rink is a key attraction and will be ready to go even in this unseasonably warm weather.

Cut 9 (09)  “…we’ve brought in.”

The festival began in 2015, had a drive-through event in 2020, and resumed last year. Lowery says she’s expecting approximately 40,000 people will attend this year’s festival

Cut 10 (09) “…interest in.” 

AlexWinterFete continues until Sunday 8 pm. For more information go to AlexWinterFete.com

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According to the Pelican Institute for Public Policy property crimes in the Bayou State are decreasing but violent crime is up, which mirrors a nationwide trend. Vice President for Policy and Strategy with the Institute Erin Bendily (ben-dah-lee) says their report can help lawmakers in implementing proven methods to reduce crime…

Cut 11 (06)  “…all about.”

The study shows property crime in Louisiana is down 30 percent over the last two decades. And there’s been a 25-percent decrease in burglaries and robberies in the last five years.

When you look at violent crime in Louisiana, she says the rate was flat from 2014 to 2019, but in 2020 Bendily says things changed drastically.

Cut 12 (07) “…phenomenon.”

Bendily says the data also shows it’s possible to reduce incarceration rates, especially among nonviolent offenders, and reduce crime at the same time. Programs designed to rehabilitate nonviolent criminals, for example, drug offenders, are keeping the recidivism rate down.

Cut 13 (08) “…with employment.”

Bendily says Louisiana is already seeing improvements in recidivism rates by incarcerating more violent offenders and implementing programs to give nonviolent offenders a second chance and proper guidance.

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The 2022 LHSAA Prep Football Classic kicks off tonight in the Cesars Superdome as eight champions will be crowned over the next three days. Earlier in the football season, the LHSAA Executive Committee approved a new postseason format and association executive director Eddie Bonine says it’s led to more competitive games

Cut 14 (10)  “…all belong.”

Two championship games will be played tonight, three on Friday and three more on Saturday. Bonine says a 25-dollar ticket gets you in the Dome for the day…

Cut 15 (14)  “…is reasonable”

This year’s Prep Classic features some familiar teams like Oak Grove, Ouachita Christian, Lafayette Christian, St. Charles Catholic, and Union Parish. But Brother Martin is making its first appearance since 1989, Ruston’s is back in the Dome for the first since 1998 and North DeSoto is making its first-ever appearance. Bonine is excited to see new teams in the Classic…

Cut  16 (13)  “…to get here.” 

The first game kicks off at 3:30 today, Homer versus Oak Grove.

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Cut 17 (17) “….message was” 

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Cut 18 (21) “…great situation” 

Cut 19 (18) “….to get there”

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Cut 20 (11) “…on that”

Three Southern University band members were killed in a crash involving an 18-wheeler last night. The students were reportedly on their way home to Texas for Christmas break. Captain Tony Moran with the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office says it happened on I-49 around 7 pm and multiple first responders worked the accident.

Cut 16 (09)  “…working the crash.”

State Police are investigating and say Tyran Williams, Dylan Young, and Broderick Moore were killed while trying to change a flat tire.

Authorities are investigating a double traffic fatality that happened around 4 pm Tuesday in Tangipahoa Parish. Trooper William Huggins says 67-year-old John Bitter was driving a Nissan and traveling eastbound on LA Highway 40 near Highway 445 when the single-vehicle crash occurred.

Cut 9 (11) “….a tree.” 

The passenger, 64-year-old Janice Pellegrin was also killed.

Two 15-year-old boys are charged with making a bomb threat at Port Barre High school Monday. Marsanne Golsby has more.

Cut 1(30)  “…I’m Marsanne Golsby”

First responders in Baton Rouge are searching an area of the Mississippi River after a person was reportedly spotted in the water. Baton Rouge Police says crews are located near the Planetarium in the downtown area of the capital city. No other details were provided.