President-elect Donald Trump will speak in Baton Rouge today to support Republican John Kennedy in the US Senate race. Halen Doughty has more..:
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It’s a chilly day across the Bayou State. Tim Humphrey with the National Weather Service in Lake Charles says Louisianans will want to bundle up when they head out the door this morning…:
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Governor John Bel Edwards talked about some of his priorities for 2017 during a speech at the Council for a Better Louisiana annual conference. Edwards says his big goal is to ensure the state uses money from the Transportation Trust Fund in the right places, like improving the daily congestion in Baton Rouge near the I-10 Mississippi River Bridge…:
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Edwards also says the Atchafalaya Basin Bridge will be widened, along with other sections of I-10 in Baton Rouge.

The friend of the man accused of killing retired NFL star Will Smith took the stand on the 4th day of the trial and said Cardell Hayes at no time got angry or attack anyone. Kevin O’Neal was a passenger in Hayes vehicle when the shooting occurred. The state maintains Hayes was out of control, but Hayes’ lawyers argue Smith was the aggressor.

There are two U.S. House seats remaining on the ballot for this Saturday’s election. Jeff Palermo has more on the competitive races…

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The man who was in the car with Cardell Hayes on the night former-Saints player Will Smith was killed spoke today in court, saying Smith caused his own demise by attacking Hayes. Kevin O’Neal added that he and the defendant never become hostile. Though witnesses claim, Hayes shot Smith out of vengeance, unloading his weapon on the former-defensive end and his wife, Racuqel.

An Affordable Housing Expo will be held in Baton Rouge this weekend for flood victims. Mike Steele with GOHSEP says there are people at different stages of recovery, so there will be a variety of housing options on display. He says people can come see manufactured homes, trailers and pre-fab housing.

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The expo will be open Friday and Saturday at Celtic Studios.

It’s beginning to feel a lot like Christmas in the Bayou State. Clinical psychologist with LSU Health Sciences Center, Dr. Michelle Moore, says the cold weather might help more people get in the holiday spirit.

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Low temperatures will get below freezing for much of the state tonight.

We’re a day away from election day and candidates are out in full force with their campaigns. In the 3rd Congressional District between Republicans Scott Angelle and Clay Higgins, the so called Cajun John Wayne has had success riding the wave of anti-establishment politicians:
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That’s ULM Political Science Professor John Sutherlin. He says there’s not quite as much excitement in the 4th District where Mike Johnson is expected to easily win.

A good turnout is not expected for Saturday and Secretary of State Tom Schedler says he’s going to push for Louisiana to do away with December federal elections. He says it’s also hard to find commissioners to work during the holidays..:
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He says he’ll talk to legislators more about this next year in the hopes of moving up the federal elections in 2018.

An Affordable Housing Expo will be held in Baton Rouge this weekend for flood victims. Mike Steele with GOHSEP says there are people at different stages of recovery, so there will be a variety of housing options on display. He says people can come see manufactured and modular homes, park trailers and pre-fab housing…:
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The expo will be open from noon until 8 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. until 3 pm Saturday at the Celtic Media Centre.

Louisiana is seeing the coldest temperatures of the season so far and many folks are finding themselves becoming more in the holiday spirit as a result. That’s according to Dr. Michelle Moore, clinical psychologist with LSU Health Sciences Center. She says you could even argue the cold weather Christmas Spirit is good for the economy…:
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She says we’re more in the holiday spirit because many Christmas traditions are centered around it being cold outside.

There are two U.S. House seats remaining on the ballot for this Saturday’s election. Jeff Palermo has more on the competitive races..:
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There aren’t many people expected to vote in this Saturday’s runoff and Secretary of State Tom Scheduler says he wants to start talking about eliminating December federal elections. He says it makes more sense finish up in November…:
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President Obama is slated to sign the first major mental health bill in nearly a decade. It’s co-authored by US Senator Bill Cassidy. Emelie Gunn reports…:
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The friend of the man on trial for murder in the death of former Saints player Will Smith took the stand today. Kevin O’Neal, who is a witness for the state, said he and the suspect, Cardell Hayes, were in fear for their safety from the beginning of the situation that lead to the shooting. The sequestered jury is hearing day 4 of testimony in the Smith trial.

The two remaining U.S. House races in Louisiana are heating up as the election is only two days away. ULM Political Science Professor John Sutherlin gives his take on the close 3rd Congressional District race between Republicans Captain Clay Higgins, aka the Cajun John Wayne, and Public Service Commissioner Scott Angelle…:
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Most analysts agree that Republican Mike Johnson will win the 4th Congressional District seat over Democrat Marshall Jones.

Secretary of State Tom Schedler says based on the likelihood of low turnout on Saturday’s elections, he would like to have a conversations with the legislature about ending December elections. He says it might make more sense to have the primary for federal elections in early October and the runoff in November…:
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Canadian air is moving towards Louisiana and bringing winter weather with it. Jeff Palermo reports…:
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Tis the season for holiday parties, and that means your company Christmas party too. Tulane business professor Dr. Mark Rosa says now that we’re out of the recession, he expects most companies will throw parties this year…:
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He says you should always consider an office Christmas party mandatory.

Louisiana has the best business climate for construction, according to a report from American Builders and Contractors. Vice President of Governmental Affairs with ABC of Louisiana, John Walters, hopes this ranking will persuade more companies to build in Louisiana.

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Walters says they’re working to help people advance their skills in this industry.

It’s beginning to feel a lot like winter in the Bayou State. State climatologist Barry Keim says it’s time for Louisianans to break out their cold weather gear.

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Keim says today high temperatures will only be in the 40s for most of the state.

US Senator Bill Cassidy’s mental healthcare reform bill is on its way to be signed into law by the president. Cassidy says this legislation gives family members more access to their loved one’s doctors.

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Cassidy says the bill will also keep mentally ill people out of jails and get them into treatment.

As holiday party invitations start flooding your inbox, Tulane business professor Mark Rosa has some do’s and don’ts for your office Christmas party. He says it’s important for people to circulate and detach from technology.

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Rosa also warns against talking shop and running out early.

Louisiana has the best business climate for construction, according to a report from American Builders and Contractors. Halen Doughty has more:
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Temperatures in Louisiana will be gradually falling throughout the day, and State Climatologist Barry Keim says you can expect it to freeze before week’s end…:
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A landmark mental health reform bill co-authored by Republican U.S Senator Bill Cassidy is on its way to be signed into law by the President. One of the thing the act does is strengthens suicide prevention programs. Cassidy says the legislation also provides more funding for the massive opiod crisis…:
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He says it’s vital to expand access to resource for those who need treatment for mental disorders.

It’s office Christmas party time and it’s always good to brush up on reminders when it comes to imbibing with your co-workers. Tulane business professor Mark Rosa says always drink in moderation, and put your phone down and be social…:
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USA Today is reporting that Alabama offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin is close to signing a deal to be the next head coach at Houston. Kiffin is said to be one of the main people LSU is seeking to hire to be OC under head coach Ed Orgeron.

Canadian air is moving towards Louisiana and bringing winter weather with it. Jeff Palermo reports…:
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So bundle up as you head out to your holiday office parties, and experts are advising you to also keep a few things in mind when letting your hair down with the boss. Tulane business professor Dr. Mark Rosa…:
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He also says you should always consider an office holiday party mandatory.

A report from American Builders and Contractors ranks Louisiana as the best business climate for construction. Vice President of Governmental Affairs with ABC of Louisiana, John Walters, says the report shows you can have a very good career in the construction industry and there’s a demand for those workers…:
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He credits good legislation in the state that benefits the construction industry.

There’s a lot of hype surrounding President-elect Donald Trump’s visit to Baton Rouge tomorrow to rally for US Senate candidate John Kennedy. But the state treasurer’s opponent, Democrat Foster Campbell, is requesting equal coverage of his candidacy the day before Saturday’s election. Campbell is holding a press availability in the morning at 9am, ahead of Mr. Trump’s appearance at the Baton Rouge Airport which is slated for noon.

Gas prices are on the rise once again. The current statewide average for a gallon of regular according to AAA is $2.04, more than 6 cents higher than a week ago.

A report from American Builders and Contractors ranks Louisiana as the best business climate for construction. Vice President of Governmental Affairs with ABC of Louisiana, John Walters, says that’s due in large part to legislation state lawmakers have passed that benefits the construction industry…:
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He says they spend a lot of time and effort in training and education trying to make sure there is a skilled, qualified workforce in Louisiana.

The public is invited to attend the event tomorrow in Baton Rouge featuring president-elect Donald Trump who is coming to stump for US Senate candidate John Kennedy — but you have to RSVP. Mr. Trump is scheduled to be at the airport at noon. You can register online at EventBrite — search for “Trump.” Kennedy is facing Democrat Foster Campbell in Saturday’s runoff election.

A mental health reform bill co-authored by U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy is on its way to be signed into law by President Obama. Emelie Gunn has more…:
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Get ready to bundle up…it’s cold outside. State Climatologist Barry Keim says high temperatures will only be in the 40s for most of Louisiana…:
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Keim says below freezing temperatures will arrive before the weekend starts.