Cut 3 (30) “…Matt Doyle”

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The Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority is working on a $34 million project that will use rock-filled sacks to protect the Rockefeller Wildlife Refuge in Cameron Parish.  Authority project manager Bevin Barringer says an aggregate material is being used to keep the so called pillows, about the size of a small car, from sinking in the mucky soil.

Cut 4 (09) “…with armor stone.″

The pillows are being placed by crane along a 3-mile stretch of shoreline.  Barringer says the coastal erosion is a major concern for the area.

Cut 5 (12)  “…200 feet.” 

With erosion rapidly taking its toll on the area, Barringer says the objective is to stabilize the shoreline.

Cut 6 (12) “…constructing this project.”

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The Secretary of State’s run-off pits the now Interim Secretary, against a Democratic political new comer from East Feliciana. Interim Secretary Kyle Ardoin, the Republican in the race was appointed assistant secretary to Tom Schedler in 2010, and says his eight years in a leadership position in that office makes him the most qualified candidate.

Cut 7 (10) “…voter ID”

Ardoin assumed the Interim role after Schedler resigned in the wake of a sexual harassment scandal involving an employee. In and interview with LRN, the victim said Ardoin was aware of the harassment.

The Democrat, Gwen Collins-Greenup, a minister who worked elections at the East Feliciana Clerks Office, says her door to door campaign style reflects her opinion that politicians should do more to connect with the personal needs of constituents.

Cut 8 (11) “…participation up”

Collins-Greenup shocked analysts by making the run-off despite only raising 3,000 dollars and not securing the Democratic Party endorsement.

Ardoin says as a Republican he’s more representative of Louisiana’s values then Collins-Greenup, and he’ll fight against Democratic policies that would relax requirements for voting.

Cut 9 (10) “…liberal organizations”

Several of Ardoin’s Republican opponents criticized his handling of a now canceled voting machine contract process that two of the companies say was rigged.

But Collins-Greenup disagrees, saying after hearing from voters on the campaign trail, her priority would be to make voting more accessible for more people.

Cut 10 (10)   “…a plan“

The run-off will be held December 8^th.

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Six weeks from today it’s Christmas Eve and the National Retail Federation projects a consumer will spend on average, 1,007 dollars this holiday season, up 4 percent over last year. N-R-F spokesperson Ana Serafin Smith says we’ve never seen a November and December this big.

Cut 11 (07) “…season.”

21 percent of consumers say they already started their shopping back in October.

On a whole it’s the biggest year on record as the economy is on the up-tick and some customers are finding themselves with a little more cash in their pockets than they used to have. Serafin Smith says 720-billion dollars will be spent this season.

Cut 12 (08)   “…2017”

Gift cards top the popularity list, followed by clothing, then books, movies, music, and electronics.

That thousand dollar average will be split up among your traditional gifts, and party goods you purchase to make that family get-together memorable. Serafin-Smith says folks are even spending a little more on themselves.

Cut 13 (12) “…155 dollars.”

Online shopping is on the rise, with 55 percent of customers saying they plan to both shop online and in store.

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The Saints clobbered Cincinnati 51-14 yesterday for the Black and Gold’s eighth straight win. Quarterback Drew Brees threw as many touchdown passes as incompletions, three. Michael Thomas had two touchdown catches and Alvin Kamara also found the end zone twice. Brees says the long opening drive that ended with six points set the tone…

Cut 14 (12) “…line of scrimmage.”

The victory comes on the heels of two emotional wins over the Vikings and Rams. Some analysts warned this was a trap game, with a home game against Eagles coming up next. But Brees says the players were ready to play…

Cut 15 (09) “…of the season”

The defense sacked Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton four times and picked him off twice. Saints running back Mark Ingram has his first 100-yard game of the season as he averaged eight yards a rush. Coach Sean Payton says it was a well balanced game…

Cut 16 (11) “…solid game.”

Secretary of State candidate Gwen Collins-Greenup is the surprise of the midterms, as the Democrat will head to a run-off against Interim Secretary Kyle Ardoin. While some candidates fundraised and sought high profile endorsement’s Collins-Greenup says she just went door to door, talking to constituents about their needs.

Cut 3 (09) “…their area.”

The Democrat is a minister with a law degree, was a notary, and worked in elections in the East Feliciana Parish Clerk’s Office.

Collins-Greenup was just 10 thousand votes shy of topping the Interim Secretary, despite little fundraising and not securing the Democratic Party’s backing, which went to 3^rd place candidate Renee Fontenot Free. She says she never viewed herself as an underdog.

Cut 4 (09) “…to it″

Collins-Greenup raised less than 3,000 dollars for her run.

Collins-Greenup says she’s a people person who has a passion for history and elections, and has one major priority she’d tackle if she wins the race.

Cut 5 (11)  “…our state.” 

The run-off election will be held December 8th

Those looking for an excuse to break out that beloved hoodie or sweater will get the opportunity to do so this weekend.  But you’ll need the heavier jackets next week. National Weather Service Slidell Meteorologist Tim Destri says a cold front is pushing through most of the state starting today.

Cut 6 (10) “…next week as well”

If you spend any time outside this weekend, you’ll need a coat.  Destri says south Louisiana can expect highs in the mid to upper 50s for Saturday and Sunday into the low 60s.  sorth Louisiana will struggle to get out of the 40s.

Cut 7 (04) “…than late fall.”

Destri says much of the state will flirt with freezing temps overnight Tuesday night into Wednesday morning.

Cut 8 (09) “…or below freezing”

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A 17-year-old is dead following a single vehicle crash last night just after 9PM.  Louisiana State Police responded to a crash on US Hwy 165 just north of Bastrop.  LSP spokesperson Senior Trooper Michael Reichardt says the vehicle was southbound when, for reasons still under investigation, the driver lost control.

Cut 9 (12) “…of the car.”

The driver was buckled up and sustained only minor injuries.  Reichardt says the teen who died was not wearing a safety belt.

Cut 10 (07)   “…of the crash.“

Reichardt says during the holidays, the death of a loved one is news no one wants to receive, and says this is a reminder to always buckle up.

Cut 11 (11) “…save your life.”

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The hype is not as high as it was last weekend when the Tigers and Saints hosted a pair of undefeated football teams, but it’s still a big weekend for the LSU and New Orleans. The Black and Gold are at Cincinnati and defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins says they better be ready for the 5-and-3 Bengals…

Cut 12 (11)   “…he does.”

In the Saints win over the Rams last week, they held Rams superstar running back Todd Gurley to 68 yards rushing. Linebacker A-J Klein says they face another good ball carrier on Sunday in Joe Mixon…

Cut 13 (11) “…with him.”

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LSU will face an Arkansas team on Saturday that has just two wins. Tigers Coach Ed Orgeron is eager to see how his team bounces back from the Alabama loss…

Cut 14 (08) “very good offense.”

If LSU wins its remaining three remaining games they’ll likely play in one of the New Year’s Six bowl games. Orgeron says winning 10 games is the goal…

Cut 15 (15) “…same page”