According to a new national survey, for the first time more teens are smoking e-cigarettes than tobacco cigarettes. DHH Health Promotions Director Caroline Brazeel says they are currently analyzing data for Louisiana but expects to see a similar trend here…

cut 4 (09) “national trends”

The annual University of Michigan “Monitoring the Future” report surveyed over 40,000 8th, 10th, and 12th graders.

The Louisiana Workforce Commission has launched a new online mobile tool that would help people find careers that interest them while supporting the standard of living they want to maintain. LWC spokesman Tom Guarisco says it’s called “My life. My way.” and it’s a fun way to envision the life you want…

cut 7 (10) “right careers”

Guarisco says you can find the tool online at laworks.net/mylife.

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries says a Mississippi man has been cited for allegedly drowning a deer in the Mississippi River in Concordia Parish. Adam Einck with L-D-W-F says a witness observed 40-year-old David Hayes of Natchez, Mississippi, drive his boat up to a deer swimming in the river…

cut 13 (06) “in his boat”

Hayes faces several hundreds of dollars in fines and up to 90 days in jail, if convicted. He also might have to pay a two-thousand dollar restitution charge for the replacement value of the deer.

Step aside Barbie, there’s a new princess in town. We’re one week away from Christmas Eve and Kathy Grannis with the National Retail Federation says the number one toy under the tree for girls this Christmas will be from a popular animated film…

cut 10 (08) “this year”

Grannis says topping the boys list is LEGO sets which also is recognized as one of the top selling toys for both boys and girls every Holiday season.

Former Florida Governor Jeb Bush says he will “actively explore” a presidential campaign. Eric Gill takes a look at what this means for Governor Jindal…
CUT 1 (29) “reporting”

New information on a Beauregard Parish head-on collision on Highway 171 that killed 3 people. Originally, State Police said they suspected impairment on the part of 28 year-old Kristi Poteet. Now instead, they suspect impairment on the part of the other driver; 41 year-old Ricky Gill of Singer. The passenger who was also killed was 30 year-old Edward Taylor of DeRidder.
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Crude oil prices are down 47-percent since June and that’s the largest drop in five years. This could mean less revenue for the state government, but Greg Albrecht, chief economist for the state legislative fiscal office, is hopeful other sources can make up for the loss in mineral revenues
CUT 9 (09) “our revenue”

State Police say a murder for hire scheme has been stopped, as a Port Allen man has been arrested for solicitation of murder; reportedly targeting a man and his wife in Pointe Coupee Parish…
CUT 14 (08) Q: “to do so”
That’s State Trooper Jared Sandifer who says 37 year-old Tommy Joe Gioele (JEE oh-lee) was arrested without incident shortly after a man came forward, saying he was asked to perform murders.

Governor Bobby Jindal is in Iowa today speaking at a GOP function tonight, working on some name awareness, since former Florida Governor Jeb Bush is now saying he will “actively explore” a run for President. Even with that, U-L-L Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says he expects Governor Jindal to make more trips to Iowa…
CUT 5 (08) “that one state”

Camille Cosby is speaking out in defense of her husband, Bill Cosby who is facing accusations of sexual assault made by several women. She says her husband has been falsely painted as a predator. But Rachel Hebert- the Director of Sexual Trauma Awareness & Response in Baton Rouge cautions people not to be so quick to judge….
CUT 8 (08) Q: “listen and believe”
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Louisiana State Police are investigating a case where a Port Allen man was allegedly attempting to solicit murder. Trooper Jared Sandifer says a man informed authorities that 37-year-old Tommy Joe Gioele (JEE-oh-lee) had approached him about killing two people in Pointe Coupee Parish…
CUT 13 (07) Q: ‘legitimate deal’
Gioele was arrested on two charges of solitictation of murder.

The price of oil continues to drop, and state leaders are expressing concern on how that could hurt state revenues. Some observers say the legislature could do some belt tightening by eliminating some tax credits , rebates and exemptions to help recoup those losses. But many observers say don’t hold your breath…

CUT 11 (07) Q: “big way”
But Greg Albrecht, chief economist for the state legislative fiscal office.

With Former Florida Governor Jeb Bush saying he plans to “actively explore” a presidential campaign and an operation allowing him to raise money for a bid, what does this mean for Governor Bobby Jindal’s presidential aspirations?
CUT 3 (09) “and moving ahead”
That’s UL-Lafayette Political Science Professor Pearson Cross.

The price of crude oil is continuing to drop, and there is some concern that lower prices long term could mean less revenue for state government. The good news from state officials, is that potential income tax revenues should be higher…
CUT 10 (06) Q: ‘in there’
That’s Greg Albrecht, Chief Economist for the State Legislative Fiscal Office.
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A school funding task force is suggesting an increase in funding, if there is enough money available. The recommended price tag is $75 million dollars, and the next stop for the recommendation is the BESE Board before it goes to the legislature in March.

Bill Cosby’s wife Camille is defending her husband against the accusations of sexual assault made by several women. Here’s Michelle Southern with the executive director of Sexual Trauma Awareness & Response in Baton Rouge.
CUT 2 (31) “reporting”

Bill Cosby’s wife Camille has issued a statement defending her husband against the accusations of sexual assault made by several women. Rachel Hebert is the executive director of Sexual Trauma Awareness & Response in Baton Rouge. She believes there have been no moves to arrest Cosby because of his perfect image before these accusations..:
CUT 7 (11) “larger issue”
Camille Cosby says Bill Cosby is the fatherly image we all know and there has been no vetting of his accusers.

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. Troopers say a man informed officers that Gioele approached him and asked him to kill two people in Pointe Coupee Parish. They gathered enough evidence to make the arrest.

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 says Jindal is more conservative and Bush is more mainstream Republican, but obviously the later has the name recognition…:
CUT 4 (05) “previous presidents”
He doesn’t think this announcement will change Jindal’s aspirations. The Governor is in Iowa today.

Monroe native Damien Lawson could be the next winner of The Voice and we’ll find out tonight. The former TSA agent is one of four final contestants who performed Monday. The Season 7 winner of the singing competition show will be announced during a two hour live finale at 7pm tonight on NBC.

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”

State Police say a 51-year-old man from Minden died in a single vehicle wreck on US Highway 371 in Webster Parish. They say Anthony Tellis crossed the center line and crashed into a group of trees. He was pronounced dead on the scene. Troopers are reminding motorists to never get behind the wheel if you’re too tired or might experience medical problems.

State Police say a Port Allen man is under arrest for allegedly attempting to solicit murder. Trooper Jared Sandifer says the investigation of 37-year-old Tommy Joe Gioele (JEE-oh-lee) began Sunday evening…:
CUT 12 (08) “Pointe Coupee Parish”
He says they made undercover calls to the suspect and came away with enough evidence to charge Gioele with two counts of solicitation of murder.

Crude oil prices are down 47-percent since June and when that happens over a long period of time, it means less revenue for the state. But Greg Albrecht, with the state legislative fiscal office, says sales tax collections are up more than anticipated which could offset the loss of mineral revenues…:
CUT 10 (06) “in there”
He says the Revenue Estimating Conference will meet next month.

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”
He says the Revenue Estimating Conference will meet next month and agree on a forecast for future revenues.

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”
Jindal is in Iowa today.

Bill Cosby’s wife Camille is defending her husband against the accusations of sexual assault made by several women. She says Bill Cosby is not a predator 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 the accusers have been given a pass in the media but Hebert feels it’s Bill Cosby who has been given too much privilege because of who he is.

Baton Rouge Police say a man is behind bars after he allegedly tried to run his ex-girlfriend over with a car then crashed into a house. 22-year-old Damion Shields was booked into parish prison on a charge of attempted second-degree murder. The woman is in the hospital but her condition is unknown at this time.

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”

Senator-elect Bill Cassidy received four big committee assignments on Monday and does have a seat, as the GOP promised, on Senate Energy and Natural Resources. Cassidy will also serve on Appropriations, Veterans Affairs and Health, Education Labor and Pensions. He said in a statement he’s happy with these assignments as they’ll provide opportunities to find alternatives to the President’s agenda.

It wouldn’t be Christmas for some without an ugly Christmas sweater. LeShai Brown is a vendor at Polished Peasant in Sulphur which ONLY sells tacky Christmas attire. She says they’ve become so popular they’ve had to open for business an additional day. So what’s the favorite?….:
CUT 9 (05) “extra garby”
She says people have a blast with Ugly Christmas Sweater parties and strive to be the reveler with the most appalling shirt.

The UL-Lafayette Football team is headed to The Big Easy today where they’ll play in the R+L Carriers Bowl. Athletic Director Scott Farmer says it’s a honor that they’ve been associated with the New Orleans Bowl now for four years…:
CUT 6 (09) “what’s that’s done”
He says they are hoping to set yet another attendance record as they have in years past. The game against Nevada kicks off in the Mercedes Benz Superdome Saturday at 10am.

Governor Bobby Jindal returns to Iowa today further fueling speculation of a presidential run. Radio Iowa News Director Kay Henderson says Jindal has been making political appearances in Iowa for several years and this is another chance to introduce himself to more Iowans…

cut 10 (09) “County GOP”

This is the governor’s fourth trip to Iowa this year and third in the past three months.

State Police say 61 people have died in crashes on Louisiana roadways since the day before Thanksgiving this year. Col Mike Edmonson says 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”

The Saints pulled out a 31-15 victory over the Chicago Bears last night at Soldier Field. Quarterback Drew Brees threw three touchdown passes and the Saints defense intercepted three passes and sacked Bears quarterback Jay Cutler three times. The Black & Gold improve to 6-8 on the season and now sit alone at the top of the NFC South. The Saints will now look to snap a four-game home losing streak this Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons.

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”