Republican Congressman Steve Scalise of Metairie says he supports US Senator David Vitter in his campaign for governor. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 1 (28) “reporting”

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Some members of LSU ‘s faculty and student body are concerned the American Family Association is involved in a prayer rally at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center on January 24th. Jeff Palermo has the story

CUT 2 (30) “reporting”

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Republican Congressman Steve Scalise of Metairie says he supports US Senator David Vitter in his campaign to become governor. Scalise made his comments on The Jim Engster Show. The House Majority Whip thinks Vitter would do a great job as Louisiana’s governor…

CUT 3 (08)  “our state back”

Vitter is one of three Republicans running for Louisiana’s highest elected office, with Lt. Governor Jay Dardenne and Public Service Commissioner Scott Angelle being the other two. Amite Representative John Bel Edwards is the lone Democrat in the race. Scalise believes Vitter would be more friendly to business in the state as governor…

CUT 4 (04)  “in our state”

Scalise as House Majority Whip, has the most clout of the Louisiana Congressional delegation. He believes that the Senator is the right man to replace Governor Jindal. Scalise says he’s worked with Vitter on several issues in Washington and has seen Vitter’s commitment to Louisiana…

CUT 5 (09)  “in that race”

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State Police say a highway construction worker has been killed in a Caldwell Parish crash. Trooper Michael Reichardt says there were two trucks stopped in the northbound outside lane of Highway 165, just north of Columbia, putting down center reflectors on the roadway…

CUT 6 (12)  “the left lane”

Reichardt says when a vehicle attempted to change lanes, it struck the rear of one of the work trucks and then the three construction workers…

CUT 7 (08) “died last night”

30-year-old Michael Roberts of West Monroe succumbed to his injuries and died as a result of his injuries. The investigation is ongoing and it is unknown at this time if impairment was a factor in this crash. Reichardt says it’s a driver’s responsibility to be aware when in a construction zone or approaching any slow moving or stopped vehicles…

CUT 8 (09) “in a lane”

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A native of Cuba, who lives in New Orleans, blasts President Obama for restoring diplomatic relations with Cuba. George Fowler, Vice Chairman of the Cuban-American National Foundation, feels that there will probably be some cosmetic changes in US-Cuba policy but nothing significant…

CUT 9 (09)  “on the embargo”

Another part of the deal with Cuba saw an exchange of prisoners. Cuba agreed to release American Alan Gross in exchange for three Cubans imprisoned in the US accused of spying. Fowler says he condemns this action by the President because it will put Americans everywhere in the world in danger …

CUT 10 (11)  “be in jail”

Fowler doesn’t see much benefit for the US in expanding trade with Cuba. He says Cuba is a bankrupt Communist country and has been for many years. Fowler says there may be one benefit of resuming trade…

cut 11 (07)  “of our country”

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Many people on LSU’s campus are not happy the Pete Maravich Assembly Center will be the site for a prayer rally featuring Governor Jindal  next month. The American Family Association is funding the event and LSU Associate english professor Chris Barrett says she considers the A-F-A a hate group for its views and stance on homosexuality

cut 12 (06) ” community”

Barrett says it’s her hope LSU will tell the organizers to hold their rally somewhere else, if not, she and hundreds of others plan to protest outside of the PMAC that day, because of the A-F-A’s involvement

cut 13 (07) “doesn’t”

American Family Association spokesperson Bryan Fisher says he doesn’t understand why there’s controversy surrounding their Prayer Rally on January 24th…

cut 14 (08) ” repent”

Fisher says he’s not surprised gay activists would come out against this event…

cut 15 (07) ” our benefit”

Former Florida Governor Jeb Bush says he plans to “actively explore” a presidential campaign. Eric Gill takes a look at what this means for Governor Jindal’s potential run…

CUT 1 (29) “reporting”

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Bill Cosby’s wife Camille is defending her husband against the accusations of sexual assault made by several women. Michelle Southern talks with the executive director of Sexual Trauma Awareness & Response in Baton Rouge.

CUT 2 (31) “reporting”

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Former Florida Governor Jeb Bush says he plans to “actively explore” a presidential campaign and an operation allowing him to raise money for a bid. So what does this mean for Governor Bobby Jindal’s presidential aspirations? UL-Lafayette Political Science Professor Pearson Cross this news won’t change anything Jindal is doing…

CUT 3 (09)  “and moving ahead”

Cross says running for president is a long process with everyone starting to plan about two years ahead time. He says there are big differences between these two potential candidates: Jindal being part of the conservative christian movement and Bush being a more mainstream Republican. But Cross says Bush does have a big advantage in name recognition…

CUT 4 (05)  “previous presidents”

Jindal is in Iowa today speaking at a GOP function tonight. Jindal has made several trips to Iowa this year. Cross says Iowa is very important for Jindal’s presidential bid. He says you can expect the governor to make many more trips to Iowa in the coming year…

CUT 5 (08)  “that one state”

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Bill Cosby’s wife Camille has issued a statement defending her husband against the accusations of sexual assault made by several women. She says Bill Cosby is the fatherly image we all know and there has been no vetting of his accusers. Rachel Hebert is the executive director of Sexual Trauma Awareness & Response in Baton Rouge. She says these cases are so difficult because drugs and alcohol are involved…:

CUT 6 (13)  “credibility”

Camille Cosby says her husband has been falsely painted as a predator by individuals whom many in the media have given a pass. There have been no moves to arrest Cosby on these claims and Hebert believes it’s because of his perfect image before these accusations were made…:

CUT 7 (11) “larger issue”

Hebert says they often see perpetrators use drugs in assaults as another way to diminish an accusers credibility. She says one of the things we can take away from this case is not to be so quick to rush to judgement…:

CUT 8 (08) “listen and believe”

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Crude oil prices are falling again today. They are down 47-percent since June and it’s the largest drop in five years. When oil prices decline over a long period of time, it means less revenue for the state government. But Greg Albrecht, chief economist for the state legislative fiscal office, is hopeful other revenue streams can make up for the loss in mineral revenues

CUT 9 (09)  “our revenue”

Albrecht says the Revenue Estimating Conference will meet next month and agree on a forecast for future revenues. He says sales tax collections are up more than anticipated and it’s also possible income tax revenues will also be higher than expected, which could offset the loss of mineral revenues

CUT 10 (06)  “in there”

Albrecht says if state leaders are concerned about the state’s budget, because of failing oil and gas royalties. He says the legislature could look at eliminating some of the tax credits, rebates and exemptions that cost the state seven billion dollars a year. But he says it’s unlikely anything will happen in the next legislative session

cut 11 (07)  “big way”

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State Police report that a Port Allen man is under arrest after they learned he was attempting to solicit murder. 37-year-old Tommy Joe Gioele (JEE-oh-lee) is charged with two counts of solicitation of murder. Trooper Jared Sandifer says the investigation began Sunday evening…

cut 12 (08) “Pointe Coupee Parish”

A man informed officers that Gioele approached him and asked him to kill two people in Pointe Coupee Parish. Sandifer says the relationship with Gioele and the man is unknown. He says, after learning of Gioele’s plans, officers went to work…

cut 13 (07) “legitimate deal”

Gioele was taken into custody at his home without incident. Sandifer says it’s fortunate that this murder plot did not go any further than it did…

cut 14 (08) “to do so”

The ugly Christmas sweater phenomenon is getting more and more popular every year. Michelle Southern talks with a gaudy clothing expert.

CUT 1 (28) “reporting”

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Although he has yet to declare his intent to run for President in 2016, Governor Bobby Jindal returns to Iowa today. Scott Carwile reports…

Cut 2 (29) “reporting”

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State Police say 61 people have died in crashes they’ve investigated since the day before Thanksgiving this year. Michelle Southern reports…:

Cut 3 (30) “reporting”

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The UL-Lafayette football team leaves today for New Orleans where they’ll play in the R+L Carriers Bowl for the 4th straight time. The Ragin’ Cajuns will travel to The Big Easy to take on Nevada in the Mercedes Benz Superdome Saturday with a 10am kickoff. UL Athletic Director Scott Farmer says this is always an exciting game for fans..:

cut 4  (11)  “very accessible”

The game has set attendance records all three years — 42,841 when UL beat San Diego State in 2001, 48,828 when it beat East Carolina in 2012 and 54,728 when it beat Tulane last December. Farmer says ticket sales are down so far for the game but they hope the Ragin’ Cajun Nation will show up in full force…:

Cut 5  (10)  “really special”

As part of the New Orleans Bowl festivities, Friday night food and beverages will be available for purchase from a variety of vendors at Champions Square for a free concert featuring Kool and the Gang and Cheap Trick. Farmer says it means a lot that they’ve been associated with this bowl now for four years…:

Cut 6 (09)  “what’s that’s done”

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The ugly Christmas sweater is becoming more and more popular every year for Holiday gatherings. So what is all the fuss about? LeShai (La-Shay) Brown is a vendor at Polished Peasant in Sulphur which specializes in tacky Christmas attire. She says people have a blast with silly festive gear…:

CUT 7 (10)  “gift giving”

Brown says many people throw specific “Ugly Christmas Sweater” parties with the goal of being the one in attendance with the most hideous holiday shirt….:

Cut 8 (05)  “by the trend” 

Brown says a lot of her customers will buy an ugly Christmas sweater then go home and add even more flair…:

Cut 9 (05)  “extra garby”

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Although he has yet to declare his intent to run for President in 2016, Governor Bobby Jindal returns to Iowa today. The Iowa is a key Presidential primary state. Radio Iowa News Director Kay Henderson says Jindal has been making political appearances in Iowa for several years and some Iowans have had a chance to meet him…

Cut 10 (09) “County GOP” 

Jindal will headline the Polk County Republican Winter Victory Dinner in West Des Moines tonight. Henderson says Jindal has been doing the things that one does if your are planning a presidential campaign, doesn’t consider him in the top tier of potential presidential candidates. She says Jindal has a lot of work ahead of him when it comes to educating voters…

cut 11 (06) “personal story is”

This is the governor’s fourth trip to Iowa this year and third in the past three months. She says a Jindal victory in Iowa would not be out of the question with the caucuses over a year away. Henderson says Mike Huckaby was virtually unknown in Iowa a year from the 2008 caucuses…

cut 12 (08)  “was Mitt Romney”

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State Police say 61 people have died in crashes they’ve investigated since the day before Thanksgiving this year. Not being properly restrained, impairment and driver distraction were the contributing factors. Col Mike Edmonson says in his 34 years with state police, he’s never seen a worse 30 day period than this one..:

Cut 13 (09)  “up to the present”

Edmonson says the tragedies have become too frequent and the people who have lost their lives in these crashes can’t be viewed as just a statistic…:

Cut 14 (09)  “accident”

Edmonson says he’s been thinking about the family from Texas who died on I-20 on their way to Disney World and the sisters on their way to Dutchtown High School. He says it’s for these people we all need to make a commitment to buckle up, don’t drink and drive and avoid distracted driving…:

Cut 15  (12)  “the distractions”

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Even though LSU’s Les Miles didn’t want to go on the record to talk about the vacancy at his alma mater Michigan, the Tigers head coach made it clear with reporters on Monday night he’s not interested in the job. When Miles allowed for cameras and recorders to roll, he gave this thought on LSU’s quarterback situation….

Cut 16  (17)    like fashion”  

While Miles wouldn’t discuss the Michigan job, he spoke highly of LSU’s future and what the Tigers can accomplish in the future, especially if they don’t lose a lot of underclassmen to the draft…

Cut 17  (13)   “in the tournament”

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The Saints are in first place in the NFC South after winning on the road again. New Orleans beat the Bears 31-15 at a soggy Soldier Field in Chicago. After getting blown out at home last week, New Orleans took it to the Bears as Quarterback Drew Brees threw three touchdown passes and the Saints defense intercepted three passes and sacked Chicago Quarterback Jay Cutler seven times. Head Coach Sean Payton…

Cut 18 (18) “ball really”

The Saints are now three and four away from New Orleans. Payton’s team will look to snap a four-game home losing streak this Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons…

Cut 19 (12)   “better job there”

5th District Congressman-elect Ralph Abraham says he’s ready to begin his duties in Washington D.C. Michelle Southern reports.

CUT 1 (27) “reporting”

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The United States Postal Service says if you are shipping by standard post, today is the last day to get that package in the mail for an on-time Christmas delivery. Scott Carwile reports…

Cut 2 (31) “reporting”

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A man who was once the janitor at Port Barre Elementary School and years later became the principal is being featured in a People Magazine series called “Heroes Among Us.” Michelle Southern reports…

Cut 3 (31) “reporting”

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5th District Congressman-elect Ralph Abraham says he’s ready to begin his duties in Washington D.C. The Republican from Richland Parish says he’s already be told he’s secured assignments on the House Agriculture and Veterans Affairs committees…:

cut 4  (10)  “in the nation”

Abraham will be sworn in on January fifth and he expects the new Congress, will quickly act on a couple of important items ..:

Cut 5  (11)  “Obamacare”

Abraham is a physician, veteran, farmer and business owner. He says on the AG committee he’s going to push for looser EPA restrictions because farmers need freedom to grow a crop without a lot of government oversight. Abraham says as a doctor he realizes how vital it is that we properly take care of our Veterans which is not happening in many parts of the country…:

Cut 6 (11)  “and the right care”

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The United States Postal Service says if you are shipping by standard post, today is the last day to get that package in the mail for an on-time Christmas delivery. Spokesman McKinney Boyd says today is the post office’s busiest day where they’ll process in the neighborhood of 354,000 packages statewide…

CUT 7 (09)  “and letters tonight”

Boyd says they expect to process an additional 1.5 million cards and letters tonight. He says if you are shipping by First Class or Priority Mail, the deadline is Saturday for a Christmas delivery. Boyd says you can avoid lines at the post office by going to their website and schedule a free package pickup…

Cut 8 (07)  “pick it up” 

The web address is www-dot-usps-dot-com. For the true last minute shopper, December 23 is the deadline to send a package using Priority Mail Express. Boyd admits that most people communicate electronically these days, but says there is still nothing like receiving a Christmas card in the mail…

Cut 9 (09)  “many miles away”

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A man who was once the janitor at Port Barre Elementary School and years later became the principal is being featured in a People Magazine series called “Heroes Among Us.” Joseph “Gabe” Sonnier says on day in the mid-80s the then-principal at the school told the janitor he knew he was very smart and capable of going more with his life…:

Cut 10 (08) “to heart” 

Sonnier says later he decided to go to school full-time while he continued working as the custodian. He says after getting his associate’s degree and bachelor’s degree he began teaching a Port Barre Elementary School…:

cut 11 (09) “elementary”

Sonnier, now 53, says he got his master’s degree then was appointed principal at the same school where he worked as a janitor for 27 years. His story has inspired many people and Sonnier has been featured on several TV shows and magazines. He says this is his lesson to us all…:

cut 12 (11)  “or your dream”

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Louisiana hopes to generate one-point-four million dollars in revenue by selling over seven-hundred underutilized state vehicles at auction. Division of Administration assistant commissioner Jan Cassidy says these vehicles are not being used enough by various state agencies, so the decision has been made to auction them off

Cut 13 (11)  “one-point-four-million”

The vehicles will be auctioned off in East Baton Rouge Parish. Cassidy says these vehicles have been driven less than 15-thousand miles over the last year

Cut 14 (12)  “job done”

Cassidy they are constantly evaluating state inventory to make sure they are spending tax dollars appropriately and it’s been determined they reduce the number of state vehicles by over seven-hundred

Cut 15  (08)  “surplus vehicles”

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The Saints will try to get another win on the road tonight when they face the Chicago Bears. New Orleans went to the Windy City last year and won 26-18 as Quarterback Drew Brees threw for 288 yards and two touchdowns

Cut 16  (14)       (Brees chuckles)

It’s been a frustrating season for the Saints, who have lost four in a row at home, but they’ve won their last two on the road. New Orleans defensive end Cam Jordan says they’ve focused on being more consistent heading into tonight’s game

Cut 17  (17)   “get this win”

Jordan hopes the Saints defensive line can set the tone in tonight’s game by getting after Bears Quarterback Jay Cutler…

Cut 18 (11) “next coming”