You might want to watch your spending limit on gifts this year, according to CreditCards-dot-com Louisianians have the second highest credit card debt burden in the nation.  CreditCards-dot-com analyst Ted Rossman says the typical Louisiana household carries $8,364 in credit card debt.

Cut 3 (06) “…your income.”

The report says Louisiana’s median annual household income is just $48,000, which is the fourth-lowest in the country.

32-year-old Mark Ebarb, a Dutchtown High teacher has turned himself into after being indicted on charges of Indecent Behavior with a Juvenile, after years of allegedly sending inappropriate photos and messages to two students. 23^rd District Court spokesperson Tyler Cavalier says a conviction would surely end Mr. Ebarb’s career, and carry a hefty sentence.

Cut 8 (09) “…predator”

Governor John Bel Edwards is set to be sworn in for a second-term on January 13th, but there will not be an inugurual ball that night because of a football game. Don Molino has more…

cut  2 (30) “…I’m Don Molino”    

LSU has seen the line on the SEC Championship game tick up to 7.5 points over the past few days after Vegas bettors piled onto the Tigers, expecting another explosive offensive outing despite Georgia’s number two in the nation defensive rating. LSU started as just four point favorites in the game that will be hosted in front of a largely hostile Atlanta crowd that Stub Hub says is comprised of a clear majority of ticket holders from the state of Georgia. A win this Saturday is the Tiger’s best chance of dodging Clemson in the first round of the CFP.

32-year-old Mark Ebarb, a Dutchtown High teacher has turned himself into after being indicted on charges of Indecent Behavior with a Juvenile. The investigation began after police received a complaint about Ebarb’s behavior back in October, and 23^rd District Court spokesperson Tyler Cavalier says so far it appears the contact was not widespread.

Cut 7 (10) “…this time.”

The investigation was handled by the Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office.

According to Credit Cards-dot-com, Louisianans have the second-highest credit card debt burden in the nation.  Credit Cards-dot-com analyst Ted Rossman says one way to get out of debt is to dedicate 15% of your monthly income to paying off your and there’s a good chance you’ll be debt-free in a year and a half.

Cut 5 (10) “…every month”

LSU remains second in the latest college football rankings, right behind Ohio State. The final rankings will be unveiled on Sunday. Tiger Rag Editor Ron Higgins says the Tigers can regain the top spot if LSU wins in the SEC Championship game and Ohio State doesn’t play well in the Big 10 title game…

Cut 9 (07) “…good debate.”

LSU faces Georgia in the SEC title game on Saturday afternoon, while Ohio State takes on Wisconsin in the Big 10 title game that night.

Inauguration activities to swear-in Governor Edwards and statewide elected officials will take place on Monday, January 13, at 11:30 a.m. on the steps of the Louisiana State Capitol in Baton Rouge. Due to the College Football National Championship game being held in New Orleans that night, an inauguration ball will not be happening.  However, plans are tentatively being made for a “Governor’s Ball” in New Orleans in late 2020.

According to Credit Cards-dot-com, Louisianans have the second-highest credit card debt burden in the nation.  Credit Cards-dot-com analyst Ted Rossman says when you compare states by just the average amount of credit card debt, Louisiana is tied for 21^st with the average household carrying $8,364 of credit card debt.

Cut 4 (10) “…that debt.”

Rossman recommends balance transfer cards if you carry high credit card debt.

32-year-old Mark Ebarb, a Dutchtown High teacher has turned himself into after being indicted on charges of Indecent Behavior with a Juvenile. 23^rd District Court spokesperson Tyler Cavalier says an investigation uncovered evidence that Ebarb had been sharing inappropriate messages and pictures with students for several years.

Cut 6 (07) “time frame”

At this point, only two students have been linked to Ebarb.

Louisiana residents eligible for Medicaid can now use an app called Healthy Lousiana to enroll into the program, compare health plans, find in-network doctors and more. Medicaid Deputy Director Jen Katzman says its the first Medicaid enrollment app in the country….
cut 9 (10) “….the app”
So far the app is popular with users, garnering a 4.5-star rating.

Three men are behind bars, accused of burglarizing numerous vehicles in Livingston Parish. With the help of Baton Rouge Police Department, a search warrant was obtained of the suspects’ home, recovering stolen items such as key fobs, clothing and ID cards.

The performance of Louisiana teams on the football field is resulting in a spike in sports apparel sales.  Sara Sanders is the co-owner of the Purple and Gold Sports Shop in Baton Rouge and says many fans are inquiring about the specialized jersey that Joe Burrow wore when he took the field for the final time at Tiger Stadium.

Cut 13 (09) “…not for sale.”

LSU just wrapped a perfect season and will compete for in the SEC Championship game.

A decked-out holiday-themed six-car train is making its sixth stop in the state tonight in Zwolle treating families to a festive and fun time. KCS Express Spokesperson Doniele Carlson says the train started in Shreveport and continues to roll through the state…

Cut  12 (06) “…this year.” 

Louisiana is the first state in the nation to allow Medicaid recipients to enroll via an app. Medicaid Deputy Director Jen Katzman says Healthy Louisiana has been popular with users so far, garnering a 4.5 star rating for its ease of use, and utility.

Cut 7 (10) “Spanish”

You might want to watch your spending limit on gifts this year, according to Credit Cards-dot-com Louisianans have the second-highest credit card debt burden in the nation.  Credit Cards-dot-com analyst Ted Rossman says they compared the average credit card debt from each state with figures provided by Experian.

Cut 3 (11) “…your income.”

The House Judiciary Committee is meeting right now to decide if President Donald Trump should be impeached for allegedly pressuring the leader of Ukraine for political gain during a July phone call. Republican Congressman Mike Johnson from Benton sits on House Judiciary and says the evidence presented during the House Intelligence hearings does not come close to an impeachable offense…
Cut 4 (09) “…to this point.”
New Orleans Democratic Congressman Cedric Richmond is also a member of the Judiciary Committee and says there’s no doubt the president abused his power in order to gain an advantage in the 2020 election.

22-year-old Tyler Meaux has pleaded guilty to driving drunk when his vehicle slammed into another head-on, killing two students from North Vermilion High School in 2018. Meaux faces between 10 and 70 years in prison.

Medicaid enrollees can now choose their managed care plan and find local providers via the Healthy Louisiana app. Matt Doyle has the story…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle” 

U-L Lafayette has won ten games in the regular season for the first time. Sarah Armentor with the Ragin Cajuns Store says the number 98 jersey has been a big seller for them this year…Cut 15 (08) “…put a player.”

Two Louisiana Representatives are taking part in the next Impeachment phase, Republican Mike Johnson and Democrat Cedric Richmond. Both men are on the House Judiciary Committee. Johnson says he’s not had access to underlying evidence gathered by the committee and feels the process could drag on for months.

Cut 6 (07) “…now see that.”

Richmond, Louisiana’s only Democratic Congressman, however, he has not been as vocal in pushing for impeachment as other Democrats.

Louisiana is the first state in the nation to allow Medicaid recipients to enroll via an app. Medicaid Deputy Director Jen Katzman says the Healthy Louisiana app allows users the option to enroll in English or Spanish health plans. Katzman says you can also use it to look up nearby providers.

Cut 8 (04) “…maps”

Times are good for football fans in Louisiana and retailers are seeing an uptick in team apparel as a result. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 3 (32) “   I’m Kevin Barnhart.”

LSU remains at Number two in the College Football Playoffs rankings. LSU remained at the number 2 spot for a second straight week behind Ohio State, followed by Clemson, Georgia, and Utah to round out the top five. The Bayou Bengals will face off with the Georgia Bulldogs on Saturday in the SEC Championship game in Atlanta. The final CFP rankings will be released Sunday at 11am on ESPN.

The House Judiciary Committee holds a hearing today on the impeachment inquiry but Republican Congressman Mike Johnson feels it is all a big charade.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (29) “I’m Matt Doyle.”

________________________________________

Medicaid enrollees can now choose their managed care plan and find local providers via the Healthy Louisiana app. Matt Doyle has the story…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle” 

____________________________________________

Times are good for football fans in Louisiana and retailers are seeing an uptick in team apparel as a result. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 3 (32) “   I’m Kevin Barnhart.”

__________________________________________________

Republican Congressman Mike Johnson still feels strongly that the impeachment inquiry is a charade, this ahead of today’s House Judiciary Committee hearing over the case. Johnson says he hasn’t had access to the underlying evidence that has been gathered by the House Intelligence Committee, adding they’ve been secretive.

Cut 4 (09) “…to this point.”

Johnson says a number of House Democrats who have predetermined this political outcome, with some vowing to impeachment just days into the Presidency.

Cut 5 (07) “…of what’s happening.”

Johnson feels there is a chance that process could drag on for months, which he says is a shame.

Cut 6 (08) “…now see that.”

Louisiana’s only Democratic Congressman Cedric Richmond also sits on the House Judiciary Committee, however he has not been as vocal in pushing for impeachment as other Democrats.

______________________________________________________

Louisiana is the first state in the nation to allow Medicaid recipients to enroll via an app.

Medicaid Deputy Director Jen Katzman says Healthy Louisiana has been popular with users so far, garnering a 4.5 star rating on app stores for its ease of use, and utility.

Cut 7 (10) “Spanish”

LDH advertises that the app also simplifies the process for choosing between the five managed care plans.

Along with options for enrollment in one of the state’s health plans, Katzman says you can also use it to look up nearby providers.

Cut 8 (04) “…maps”

Katzman says the app is emblematic of a broader generational shift that points towards a far more digital future for Medicaid.

Cut 9 (10) “…the app”

______________________________________________________

A decked-out holiday-themed six-car train is making it’s sixth stop in the state tonight in Zwolle treating families to a festive and fun time.

KCS Express Spokesperson Doniele Carlson says you can walk along the side of three of the cars for a great photoshoot, and step inside the other three for a chance to see some Christmas magic…

Cut 10 (10) “…inside”

Santa will also be available for the kids to visit.

The KCS Express comes courtesy of donations from the railroad company’s workers and vendors, and Carlson says it’s a charity that’s been around since 2001.

Cut 11 (10) “…this cause”

The train started in Shreveport and has rolled through LaPlace, Gonzales, Baton Rouge, Pineville, and Coushatta so far, and Carlson says it’s got a ways to go…

Cut  12 (06) “…this year.” 

The money donated to the Salvation Army will go towards warm clothes for those in need.

_________________________________________________________

The performance of Louisiana teams on the football field is resulting in a spike in sports apparel sales.  Sara Sanders is the co-owner of the Purple and Gold Sports Shop in Baton Rouge and says many fans are inquiring about the specialized jersey that Joe Burrow wore when he took the field for the final time at Tiger Stadium.

Cut 13 (09) “…not for sale.”

LSU just wrapped a perfect season and will compete for in the SEC Championship game.

Sanders says the Black and Gold Sports Shop is also seeing a spike based on the success of the 10-and-2 Saints and several players are seeing strong sales on their jerseys.

Cut 14 (08) “…well this season.” 

The 10-and-2 Ragin’ Cajuns are seeing a similar impact in Lafayette.  Sarah Armentor with the Ragin’ Cajuns Store says the number 98 is a big seller for its jerseys.

Cut 15 (08) “…put a player.”

______________________________________________

The play of junior running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire has been a big surprise this season for LSU. Edwards-Helaire has rushed for 1,233 yards and 16 touchdowns. He’s also caught 43 passes. Before the season started, many thought freshmen running backs would take playing time from Edwards-Helairie, but the Baton Rouge product says that’s been the case his whole life, people doubting him

Cut 16  (24)  …to the house” 

LSU is making its first appearance in the SEC Championship game since 2011, while Georgia is in the title for the third consecutive year. Edwards-Helaire says the Tigers can’t wait to get to Atlanta

Cut 17  (22)  ready to play ” 

___________________________________________________

Southeastern Louisiana’s run through the F-C-S playoffs takes them to Montana this Saturday as the Lions seek their first-ever appearance in the quarterfinals. Montana is a six national seed and brings a 9-and-3 record into the contest. S-L-U Coach Frank Scelfo

cut 18  (22)  of a game” 

This should be a high scoring game. The Lions average 37 points a game, while Montana averages 36 a contest. Scelfo says the Grizzlies feed off the big play…

cut 19 (19)    regular basis”    

An Arkansas man is under arrest after allegedly shooting his way into an empty West Monroe School and bunkering up in a bathroom in hopes of sparking a standoff with police. Jeffery Smith allegedly fired over a dozen shots in the school, but Sgt. CJ Beck says the police never came because the school’s burglar alarm never went off…

Cut 7 (11) “…left.”

Smith was armed with a handgun.

Tiger fans are Atlanta bound this Saturday as the Bayou Bengals take on the Georgia Bulldogs in the SEC Championship game.  StubHub spokesperson Erin Exum says it is important to buy tickets from a reputable source and not a scalper outside of the venue on game day.

Cut 5 (11) “…game like this.”

Two men have lost their jobs with Livingston Parish Public Works after allegedly stealing guns from a home while they were supposed to be working. Livingston police chief Randy Dufrene says 37-year-old Kelby Henderson and 24-year-old Adam Church knew the homeowner was a gun collector

Cut 12 (11) “handicap child” 

Dufrene says they also used a parish vehicle to drive to the victim’s home.

Today is Giving Tuesday, a day bringing attention to charitable donations.  President and CEO of the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank Mike Manning says with the holiday, kids are out of class, meaning they won’t be fed at school and they’ll need to find food somewhere.

Cut 11 (10) “…blessed they are.”

An Arkansas man is under arrest after allegedly breaking into a West Monroe school Saturday and peppering the inside of the building with bullets in an effort to provoke a confrontation with police.  West Monroe Police Sgt. C.J. Beck describes the surveillance footage of Jeffery Smith’s 12 hours inside the school…

Cut 6 (13) “front door”

But the burglar alarm never went off, so after 12 hours of parking in the school, firing off random shots in the hallway, Smith went home.

Two men have lost their jobs with Livingston Parish Public Works after allegedly stealing guns from a home while they were supposed to be working. Livingston police chief Randy Dufrene says the victim is shocked to find out it was their co-workers who’d robbed them…

Cut 14 (12) “…you know”

Tiger fans are Atlanta bound this Saturday as the Bayou Bengals take on the Georgia Bulldogs in the SEC Championship game. Tickets have been purchased in 47 states, StubHub spokesperson Erin Exum says Bulldog fans will likely be prevalent in their home state.

Cut 4 (11) “…Saturday comes around.”

The Tigers are a touchdown favorite to win on Saturday.

Today is Giving Tuesday, a day bringing attention to charitable donations.  President and CEO of the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank Mike Manning says they have seen an increase in contributions in honor of Giving Tuesday.

Cut 9 (09) “…awareness about giving.”

Manning says Giving Tuesday is effective in increasing the awareness to those that may not be paying attention to the needs for contributions.

Two men have lost their jobs with Livingston Parish Public Works after allegedly stealing guns from a home while they were supposed to be working. Livingston police chief Randy Dufrene says 37-year-old Kelby Henderson and 24-year-old Adam Church broke into their co-worker’s home three times…

Cut 13 (11) “…gun collected.”

Dufrene says they also used a parish vehicle to drive to the victim’s home.

An Arkansas man is under arrest after allegedly breaking into a West Monroe school Saturday and peppering the inside of the building with bullets in an effort to provoke a confrontation with police. West Monroe Police Sgt. C.J. Beck says police never responded because the burglar alarms didn’t go off, and Jeffery Smith eventually left. Beck says Smith’s motive is still unclear…

Cut 8 (06) “…police”

Beck was armed with a 9mm handgun.

Tiger fans are Atlanta bound this Saturday as the Bayou Bengals take on the Georgia Bulldogs in the SEC Championship game.  StubHub spokesperson Erin Exum says over a thousand tickets are currently available with an average price of $567.

Cut 3 (07) “…less than $200.”

The Tigers are a touchdown favorite to win on Saturday.

Today is Giving Tuesday, a day bringing attention to charitable donations. President and CEO of the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank Mike Manning says Giving Tuesday is effective in increasing the awareness to those that may not be paying attention to the needs for contributions.

Cut 10 (08) “…advantage of that.”

Manning adds the federal tax reform passed has resulted in generally lower charitable donations nationwide, but that locally they have remained steady.