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. Cassidy says this measure will greatly benefit those who have mood disorders…:
Cut 13 (10) “health needs”
He says this legislation will also keep mentally ill individuals from going to jail and instead allow them to receive out-patient treatment.

Cold temperatures are on the way to the Bayou State. That’s according to state climatologist Barry Keim, who says it’s time for Louisianans to break out the winter gear…:
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He says below freezing temperatures will arrive before the weekend starts.

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.

The Livingston Parish Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness Director is not holding back when it comes to speed of FEMA getting flood victims into temporary housing. In an interview with a Baton Rouge TV station, Mark Harrell said that FEMA needs to stop giving them lip service and get off their, “A” and deliver the units. He said FEMA has failed 100% when it comes to getting people with no home into the mobile units.

More than $1 billion in Community Development Block Grants for Louisiana is included in a continuing resolution that’s moving through Congress. Michelle Southern has more…

Cut 2 (28) “I’m Michelle Southern”

Bond was denied for one of the suspects in the Bourbon Street shooting that left one dead and nine other wounded. Prosecutors say the fight between Jordan Clay and Travon Manuel stemmed from a feud over a woman who is reportedly Clay’s ex-girlfriend and the mother of Manuel’s infant child. After the hearing, Manuel was remanded in custody without bail.

LSU releases the details of defensive coordinator Dave Aranda’s contract extension, which includes a first-year salary of $1.8 million. Tiger Rag Editor Cody Worsham expects whoever is hired as offensive coordinator will receive a similar salary.

Cut 12 (10) “it is”

Aranda is now the highest paid assistant in college football.

An entire family Avoyelles Parish were arrested after authorities found them making a pipe bomb inside their home.

Cut 4 (09) “…reason why”

That’s Sheriff Doug Anderson, who says they discovered the bomb while executing a search warrant on 38-year-old Jenus Juneau, who is suspected stealing $12-thousand worth of household goods.

Donald Trump will be in Baton Rouge Friday to support Republican John Kennedy in the US Senate race. UL-Lafayette political science Professor Pearson Cross says the visit isn’t really necessary, as Kennedy has a double digit lead over Democrat Foster Campbell, but it’s a nice gesture.

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The event begins at noon in the Dow Chemical Hangar at the Baton Rouge Airport.

LSU releases the details of defensive coordinator Dave Aranda’s contract extension, which includes a first-year salary of $1.8 million. Tiger Rag Editor Cody Worsham expects whoever is hired as offensive coordinator will receive a similar salary.

Cut 12 (10) “it is”

Aranda is now the highest paid assistant in college football.

More than $1 billion in Community Development Block Grants for Louisiana is included in a continuing resolution that’s moving through Congress. Michelle Southern has more…

Cut 2 (28) “I’m Michelle Southern”

A Calcasieu Parish cat is missing after authorities say an escaped inmate stole a hearse with the feline inside. Police say 26-year-old Johnathan Alexander stole the hearse used by Pet Angels crematory when the trusty walked off a job. The hearse was found in range, Texas, and Alexander was apprehended in another stolen vehicle. The cat has yet to be found.

A huge crowd is expected to be at the Baton Rouge airport on Friday where President-elect Donald Trump is slated to appear. Mr. Trump is supporting US Senate candidate John Kennedy, and his appearance comes a day before Louisiana voters will head to the polls. UL-Lafayette Political Science Professor Pearson Cross on Mr. Trump’s message:
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Kennedy faces Democrat Foster Campbell in Saturday’s runoff.

Former New Orleans Saints running back Pierre Thomas took the stand today in the murder trial of Will Smith. Thomas, who had dined with Smith earlier in the evening and later ended up at the scene of the incident, testified during direct examination that Cardell Hayes was the only person who ever had a gun and fired shots where Smith was killed. The defense is arguing Smith was the aggressor. This comes a day after emotional testimony from Smith’s wife who insists her husband did nothing wrong.

The US House Appropriations Committee has approved a continuing resolution that contains $1.2 billion in Community Development Block Grants for Louisiana flood relief. Governor’s Office spokesman Richard Carbo adds that Congress should be voting on the proposal by the end of the week, which will also contain dollars to fund other flood repair projects…:
Cut 9 (10) “for Louisiana”

LSU releases the details on defensive coordinator Dave Aranda’s new three-year contract extension that also makes him the associate head coach. Tiger Rag Editor Cody Worsham says he’s earned the distinction of being the highest paid assistant in college football…:
cut 11 (08) “every dollar”
Aranda’s contract runs until March of 2020 and includes a first year salary of 1.8 million dollars.

President-elect Donald Trump will be in Baton Rouge Friday to encourage Louisianans to vote for Republican John Kennedy for U.S. Senate. Emelie Gunn has more…:
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On day 3 of the murder trial of former Saints player Will Smith, his teammate Pierre Thomas has taken the stand. Thomas ended up on the scene where Cardell Hayes allegedly shot and killed Smith. There was emotional testimony Tuesday from the widow of Smith, Racquel, who said strongly that her husband did nothing to provoke the shooting. Hayes’ defense team paints a different picture.

The US House Appropriations Committee has approved a continuing resolution that contains $1.2 billion in Community Development Block Grants for Louisiana flood relief. Richard Carbo with the Governor’s office says they still have a long way to go, but it’s great to see this kind of support from Congress…:
Cut 8 (12) “as possible”
The full US House is expected to vote on the package in the coming days…the legislation will then head to the Senate before going to the President’s desk.

WWL-TV in New Orleans is reporting that the body of slain NFL football player Joe McKnight is being retrieved from the funeral home for more forensic testing. Ronald Gasser has been charged with manslaughter in the shooting death of McKnight.

Testimony in the Will Smith murder trial resumed this morning, with witnesses to the shooting taking the stand. Defense attorneys say Smith was the aggressor, but prosecutors say Cardell Hayes shot and killed an unarmed innocent man. Loyola law professor Dane Ciolino says the fact that the victim is so popular makes the case challenging for the defense
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Racquel Smith insisted that her unarmed husband did nothing to provoke the killing.

The Republican Party of Louisiana has confirmed President-elect Donald Trump will be in Baton Rouge on Friday for a get out the vote rally for US Senate candidate Republican John Kennedy. UL-Lafayette Political Science Professor Pearson Cross expects a huge frenzy of supporters to be in attendance…:
Cut 5 (09) “a bottle”
The event starts at noon at the Baton Rouge Airport.

An entire family from Bunkie has been arrested on bomb making charges. Avoyelles Sheriff Doug Anderson says they executed a warrant on 38-year-old Jenus Juneau, who was accused of stealing $12-thousand worth of household goods, guns, and jewelry on Sunday…:
Cut 3 (12) “zone established”
Anderson says Juneau’s wife and their two 19-year-old children were also charged.

What might the trial of Ronald Gasser look like now that he’s been charged with manslaughter in the death of former NFL player Joe McKnight? Legal analyst Tim Meche says if Gasser can explain a reasonable fear to the jury, he could be found not guilty…:
Cut 10 (10) “the defendant”
Gasser is claiming self defense in what authorities are calling a road rage incident between he and McKnight.

Third day of the Will Smith shooting trial is underway in a court room in Orleans Parish. Loyola University Law Professor Dane Ciolino was surprised to see that the first person to testify for the prosecution was former Saints running back Deuce McAllister…

cut 13 (12) “….and celebrity”

There was also emotional testimony from the widow of Will Smith, Racquel, who said strongly that her husband did nothing to provoke the shooting. Cardell Hayes defense team paints a different picture.

The Louisiana Republican Party has confirmed that President-elect Donald Trump will be in Baton Rouge on Friday to headline a rally to encourage people to get out to vote. Trump urging voters to cast their ballot for Republican State Treasurer John Kennedy for U.S. Senate. Many Republican elected officials will be present at the rally alongside the future President. The event starts at noon at the Baton Rouge Airport.

A report from the AAA foundation says you double the chances of getting into a wreck if you only get five to six hours of sleep. AAA spokesperson Don Redman says getting tired behind the wheel can also happen in the afternoon as it could, when driving during the overnight hours….

cut 8 (08) “…the wheel”

Redman says nearly 21-percent of fatal crashes are the result of drowsy driving.

Louisiana broke a record for the number of adoptions in one year with 735 children adopted by 532 families. Department of Children and Family Services Secretary Marketa Garner Walters says all of the children in the state’s care have a history of abuse or neglect. She says although it’s exciting so many kids found homes, many are still without a family.

Cut 5 (10) “this year”

It was an emotional first day of testimony in the Will Smith trial Tuesday. Cardell Hayes is accused of shooting and killing the former Saints player. The prosecution is arguing that Hayes was the aggressor, but the defense says Smith was reaching for a gun. Loyola law professor Dane Ciolino says the jury being sequestered will make everyone want to get through with the trial as quickly as possible…:
Cut 15 (11) “quicker pace”
The trial resumes today.

Ronald Gasser, the man accused of fatally shooting former NFL player and John Curtis star Joe McKnight last week, has been charged with manslaughter, so what will be the key factors in a likely trial? Legal analyst Tim Meche says a state law letting people defend themselves if someone tries to invade your vehicle is a big factor:
CUT 12 (10) “this case”

Lots of folks are preparing to travel for the upcoming holiday and AAA is reminding motorists not to drive if you’re too tired. Spokesman Don Redman says nearly one in three drivers admitted to drowsy driving at least once in the past month. He says there are ways people can avoid being tired while driving on long trips…:
Cut 9 (09) “more sleep”
He says nearly 21-percent of fatal crashes are the result of people falling asleep behind wheel.

Some LSU fans are gearing up to head to Orlando for the Citrus Bowl later this month, but so far ticket sales are lagging a bit. That’s according to LSU ticket manager, Brian Broussard, who says so far only about 4-thousand tickets have been sold…:
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The game kicks off at 10am on New Years Eve.