Family, friends and fans are in shock with grief over the death of former NFL and John Curtis High School player Joe McKnight who was shot in an apparent Jefferson Parish road rage incident. His former high school coach, J-T Curtis, is devastated by the slaying of the 28-year-old…:
cut 17 (08) “just tragic”
Sheriff Newell Normand has identified the shooter as 54-year-old Ronald Gasser.

Early voting ends tomorrow and turnout has been lower than expected. Secretary of State Tom Schedler says we’re seeing about 22-thousand voters at the polls a day during this early voting week, down 10-thousand a day from the primary. He things could pick up…:
Cut 8 (10) “voter turnout”
Early voting polls are open from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Vice President-elect Mike Pence will be in New Orleans tomorrow hosting a get-out-the vote rally in support of US Senate candidate John Kennedy. Louisiana Republican Party Chairman Roger Villere says voters need to be reminded that there is still a ballot to be cast…:
cut 4 (08) “important election”
Louisiana Democratic Party executive director Stephen Handwerk believes Pence’s appearance is just for show. He says Republicans were very quick to condemn Kennedy when he was a registered Democrat…:
Cut 5 (04) “best hope”
Pence will headline the GOP event at Lakefront Airport at 1 p.m.

Vice President-elect Mike Pence will be in New Orleans tomorrow hosting a rally to get voters out to the poll for the December 10^th runoff. Emelie Gunn has more…

CUT 1 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Early voting ends tomorrow and we’ve seen lower than expected voter turnout. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (28) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Just a week before the US Senate runoff, a Southern Media and Opinion Research poll finds Republican John Kennedy has a 14 point lead over Democrat Foster Campbell. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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Vice President-elect Mike Pence will be in New Orleans tomorrow hosting a get-out-the vote rally to spotlight the U.S. Senate race. Louisiana Republican Party Chairman Roger Villere says Pence will voters to head to the polls on December 10^th and cast their ballot for Republican Treasurer John Kennedy.

cut 4  (08) “important election”

Louisiana Democratic Party executive director Stephen Handwerk believes Pence’s appearance is just for show. He says Republicans were very quick to condemn Kennedy when he was a registered Democrat…

Cut 5  (04)  “best hope”

Villere says the Vice President-elect will also meet with elected officials, Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser and Attorney General Jeff Landry to discuss the needs of Louisiana…

Cut 6 (11) “coming up”

Handwerk says Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Foster Campbell has made a career out of fighting for Louisiana families and he wants to take it to the next level as senator. He says Campbell’s message is resonating with voters.

CUT 7 (09)  “the primary”

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Early voting ends tomorrow and turnout has been lower than expected. Secretary of State Tom Schedler says we’re seeing about 22-thousand voters at the polls a day during this early voting week, down 10-thousand a day from the primary. He says that doesn’t mean things can’t pick up today and tomorrow…

Cut 8 (10) “voter turnout”

The November 8^th Presidential election had a voter turnout of 68-percent. Schedler says we’re seeing a more vigorous turnout on the Republican side than the Democratic side. He also says there’s been a bigger male turnout than female, which isn’t typical.

Cut 9 (10)  “optimistic”

Schedler says we’re seeing predominately chronic voters getting out to early vote. He says one reason for the low turnout is that voters are tired after the grueling November 8^th election.

Cut 10 (10)  “percent less”

For early voting the polls are open from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

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A new poll from Southern Media and Opinion Research finds Republican John Kennedy still has a strong lead over Democrat Foster Campbell in the US Senate race. Pollster Bernie Pinsonat says the results are not surprising.

cut 11 (09) “to 38”

Kennedy leads Campbell 52 to 38-percent just over a week before the December 10th runoff. Voters are split about Campbell, according to the poll of 500 likely Louisiana voters, as 46-percent view him favorably and 45-percent unfavorably. Pinsonat says it is unlikely Campbell will make a late charge as just under 10-percent of voters are undecided.

cut 12 (09) “and Republicans”

The poll finds 58-percent of respondents have a favorable view of Kennedy, while only 35-percent have unfavorable views of the State Treasurer. Pinsonat says Kennedy has been very popular statewide for the past several years, because he’s been a vocal critic of government spending.

Cut 13 (09) “a Republican”

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The 2nd annual Alex Winter Fêteis underway in Alexandria. The three day festival drew almost 30-thousand people in its inaugural year. Director of Community Services, Daniel Williams, says this year will be bigger and better than last year.

cut 14 (10) “food vendors”

Williams says they have a Polar Express train for kids, as well as their Indie Market, which features unique arts and crafts. He says there’s stilt walkers, fire breathers, face painting, and even Santa will be there. He says they’ve also beefed up their attractions from last year.

Cut 15 (08) “holiday market”

A firework show will take place tonight at 9:00. Williams says they’ve expanded their ice skating rink to include a kids section, in an effort to cut back on wait times to skate. He says one of the most fun events of the weekend is the Ugly Sweater 5k.

Cut 16 (10) “at 8″

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The football world is mourning the death of Joe McKnight, who was fatally shot in what authorities believe was a road rage incident in Jefferson Parish. McKnight was one of the top high school football players in the country coming out of John Curtis High School in 2006. His former high school coach, J-T Curtis, is devastated by the slaying of the 28-year-old…

Cut 17 (08)    “just tragic “

McKnight played at USC and was drafted by the New York Jets and also played for the Kansas City Chiefs. He spent this past season in the Canadian Football League. Curtis says McKnight’s death is a senseless tragedy…

Cut 18 (10) “ turned violent”

Jefferson Parish sheriff deputies received a call Thursday afternoon about a shooting in Terrytown. First responders found McKnight lying on the ground next to his car suffering from a gunshot wound. Sheriff Newell Normand has identified the shooter as 54-year-old Ronald Gasser. Curtis says McKnight will be remembered as a good person…

Cut 19 (12)   “affiliated with”

The football world is mourning the death of Joe McKnight, who was fatally shot in what authorities believe was a road rage incident in Jefferson Parish. McKnight was one of the top high school football players in the country coming out of John Curtis High School in 2006. His former head coach, J-T Curtis, is devastated by the slaying of the 28-year-old.

Cut 17 (08) “just tragic”

McKnight played at USC and was drafted by the New York Jets and also played for the Kansas City Chiefs.

Medicaid expansion enrollment has surpassed the 351-thousand mark, according to the Louisiana Department of Health. Secretary Dr. Rebekah Gee says Medicaid expansion should lead to better health outcomes for working citizens who were previously uninsured.

Cut 7 (09) “healthcare”
Bayou Country Superfest has announced the lineup for next year’s festival, which includes headliners Blake Shelton and his ex-wife Miranda Lambert. Producer Quint Davis says it will be interesting to see how the two megastars interact.

Cut 13 (08) “about that”

Other headliners include Thomas Rhett, Brooks & Dunn, Rascal Flatts, and Hank Williams Jr.

The Cajundome officially reopens tonight with a brand new look, after a 22-million dollar renovation. Cajundome Director Greg Davis says the new improvements will help with getting big name acts.

Cut 10 (11) “live entertainment”

Tonight the Ragin’ Cajuns men’s basketball team will take on Nicholls State.

Jefferson Parish Sheriff Newell Normand confirms former-NFL star Joe McKnight was killed this afternoon. The former-New York Jets and Kansas City Chief running back was reportedly shot after a road rage incident turned violent in Terrytown.  Normand says the shooter has been identified as 54-year-old Ronald Gasser, who turned his gun and himself into authorities.

More the 351-thousand Louisianans are now enrolled in Medicaid as part of the expanded healthcare program, according to the Louisiana Department of Health. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

A bill that seeks to reform mental healthcare has passed the US House. Senator Bill Cassidy coauthored the legislation and says there are three times more mentally ill individuals in jails than in hospitals.

Cut 4 (10) “often end”

Cassidy says on average people with mental illness die 20 years younger than those without it.

Bayou Country Superfest has announced next year’s lineup, which features Blake Shelton, Miranda Lambert, Brooks & Dunn, Rascal Flatts, Thomas Rhett, and Hank Williams Jr. Producer Quint Davis says BCS is all new again because it’s coming to New Orleans for the first time.

Cut 12 (10) “country music”

The three day festival was moved to the Superdome because of renovations to Tiger Stadium.

According to the Louisiana Department of Health, more than 86-hundred Louisiana residents are receiving care for chronic conditions under the Medicaid expansion. LDH Secretary Rebekah Gee says many people are now getting the preventative care they need.

Cut 6 (10) “breast cancer”

More than 350-thouasnd people have enrolled in the expanded Medicaid program.

US Senator Bill Cassidy’s mental healthcare reform bill has passed the US House. Cassidy says the bill establishes a grant program focused on early intervention for children who demonstrate signs of mental illness.

Cut 5 (09) “early age”

The bill also provides for suicide prevention and substance abuse programs.

Bayou Country Superfest has announced the lineup for next year’s festival, including headliners Blake Shelton and Miranda Lambert. Producer Quint Davis says it will be interesting to see how the two megastars interact, since the two divorced last year.

Cut 13 (08) “about that”

Other headliners include Thomas Rhett, Brooks & Dunn, Rascal Flatts, and Hank Williams Jr.

The Cajundome is officially reopened after completing a $22-million renovation. Director Greg Davis believes Ragin’ Cajun fans will be impressed with the updates.

Cut 9 (10) “basketball court”

UL-Lafayette will face Nicholls State tonight on the court.

Medicaid enrollment has surpassed the 351,000 mark under the expansion of the program, according to the Louisiana Department of Health. Secretary Rebekah Gee says the Medicaid expansion should lead to better health outcomes for working citizens who were previously uninsured..
CUT 7 (09) “healthcare”
Gee says they are still unclear with will happen with the expanded Medicaid program when President-elect Trump takes office.

Bayou Country Superfest announced its 2017 lineup today with big names like Brooks and Dunn and Hank Williams Jr. It’s the Memorial Day weekend concert’s first time to be held in the Superdome and BCS Producer Quint Davis expects tourism in New Orleans to be a major boost from the shows..:
CUT 14 (09) “holiday weekend”
Tickets go on sale in one week.

The Lafayette Cajundome has a brand new look and tonight will be the firs time fans will get to check it out. The venue just completed a 22 million dollar upgrade. Cajundome Director Greg Davis says the new improvements will help with getting big name acts…:
CUT 10 (11) “live entertainment”
The event tonight is the basketball game between the Ragin’ Cajuns and Nicholls State.

An extradition hearing today to determine if a man from Baton Rouge will be returned to Tennessee to face charges for his parents’ murder will be rescheduled because the suspect was not ready to make a decision. 28 year old Joel Michael Guy Jr. is facing two counts of first degree murder for allegedly killing and dismembering his parents over the Thanksgiving holiday in Knoxville. The extradition hearing is slated to take place next week.

More the 351-thousand Louisianans are now enrolled in Medicaid as part of the expanded program, according to the Louisiana Department of Health. Emelie Gunn has more…:
CUT 1 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

Tonight the Cajundome will host its first event tonight since completing a 22-million dollar renovation, as the Ragin’ Cajuns basketball team will take on Nicholls State. Cajundome Director Greg Davis on the updates:
Cut 9 (10) “basketball court” 2x

The lineup for next year’s Bayou Country Superfest over the Memorial Day weekend has been announced, featuring Blake Shelton, Miranda Lambert, Brooks & Dunn, Rascal Flatts, and Hank Williams Jr. The three-day country music festival, which spent seven years Baton Rouge’s Tiger Stadium, makes the move to New Orleans. BCS Producer Quint Davis…:
CUT 12 (10) “country music”
Tickets will be available through www.BayouCountrySuperfest.com in one week.

Houston has reportedly contacted former LSU Coach Les Miles about its coaching vacancy. There also reports that Alabama offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin is a candidate for that job.

A bill co-authored by US Senator Bill Cassidy that seeks to reform mental healthcare has passed the US House and could receive Senate approval next week. He says the bill should foster more mental health professionals, as well as create more outpatient treatment settings…:
Cut 3 (11) “behavioral healthcare”
Cassidy says this legislation is two years in the making, with the goal of making sure patients are not denied care.

The Baton Rouge man who is accused of murdering and dismembering his parents at their Tennessee home over the Thanksgiving holiday appeared in court this morning. A judge extended the extradition deadline until Tuesday to allow 28-year-old Joel Michael Guy Jr. more time to decide if he will fight being sent back to Knoxville where the alleged killings took place. He is facing two counts of first degree murder.

More than 86-hundred Louisiana residents are receiving care for chronic conditions under the expansion of Medicaid. That’s according to Louisiana Department of Health Secretary Dr. Rebekah Gee. She says many people are now getting healthcare they weren’t when uninsured…:
Cut 6 (10) “breast cancer”
She says enrollment has surpassed 351-thousand individuals.

The lineup for the 2017 Bayou Country Superfest has been announced. Headliners include Blake Shelton, Miranda Lambert, Brooks & Dunn, Rascal Flatts and Hank Williams Jr. The BCS happening over Memorial Day Weekend on May 26-28 next year is being held for the first time in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Ticket pre-sale begins tomorrow at noon.

OPEC members have made the decision to slow crude oil production by 1.2 million barrels a day starting next year. This is OPEC’s first cut in 8 years, and it will reduce production by over 32 million barrels a day globally. Executive Director for LSU’s Center for Energy Studies, David Dismukes, says the rise in oil prices as a result of OPEC’s decision will only help a little…:
Cut 5 (09) “little bit”
Dismukes says this announcement from OPEC is not enough to jump start drilling in this state.

The FBI has issued a release announcing the arrest of 28-year-old Joel Michael Guy Jr. of Baton Rouge who allegedly murdered and cut up his parents at the victims’ home in Tennessee. They say when the suspect visited his parents over Thanksgiving, an altercation allegedly ensued over finances. Police say Guy Jr. allegedly killed and dismembered his parents. He is awaiting extradition to Tennessee.

Over the holiday season, we tend to pack on the pounds with all the food served in festive settings. Jeff Palermo has some tips to avoid gaining the extra weight…:
Cut 3 (29) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

The state announces a scholarship opportunity for Phil Theta Kappa Honor society students attending community and technical schools and who would like to transfer into either Southern University Baton Rouge or Southern University New Orleans. Governor John Bel Edwards hopes to be able to offer this opportunity to many more Louisiana students in the future..:
Cut 9 (09) “young people”

The Transportation Task Force meets today as they are getting close to providing lawmakers with recommendations on how to improve the state’s highways. Emelie Gunn has more…:
Cut 2 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

The Shreveport Police Department arrests a teacher accused of making false claims regarding a person she suspected was coming to the school to harm her. They say Tamekia Anderson said a man she knew texted her that he was coming to her place of work to shoot her. The school was placed on lock down as a precaution. Investigators say they later learned Anderson fabricated the story and she was charged on a count of Criminal Mischief.

The state announces a scholarship opportunity for Phi Theta Kappa Honor society students attending community and technical schools and who would like to transfer into either Southern University in Baton Rouge or New Orleans. Governor John Bel Edwards says the Pathway Scholarship awards up to 15-hundred dollars and it will give these students a chance to receive a four-year degree…:
CUT 7 (05) “make it”
Edwards hopes to be able to offer this opportunity to many more Louisiana students in the future.

There was a bit of good news announced for the state’s struggling oil and gas industry as OPEC members have made the decision to slow crude oil production by 1.2 million barrels a day starting next year. LSU’s Center for Energy Studies, David Dismukes, says it will help that oil supply will be reduced, but it’s not enough to jump start drilling in this state…:
Cut 6 (07) “for oil”
The announcement led to an eight-percent increase in oil prices as they were trading at around 50-dollars a barrel.