Louisiana’s unemployment rate has fallen slightly over the year to 4.7 percent as the state as a whole continues to add jobs…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

________________________________________

The federal government is raising the minimum smoking and vaping age to 21 nationwide. Brooke Thorington has more on what that means for Louisiana

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington” 

____________________________________________

LSU fans return to Atlanta later this week for the semifinal matchup against Oklahoma in the Peach Bowl. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (30) “ I’m Jeff Palermo”

__________________________________________________

The Louisiana Workforce Commission says total private employment has seen an increase in jobs over the year for 21 consecutive months. Also, seasonally adjusted nonfarm employment is at its highest level since 2015, and Workforce Commission Chief Economist Ali Bustamante says the state added 41-hundred jobs from October to November.

Cut 4 (09) “year”

The state’s unemployment rate fell slightly over the year to 4.7 percent in November.

New Orleans and Baton Rouge led the state in gains at 13,100 and 4,600 respectively, but Bustamante says Hammond was a surprise third-place finisher with 1,200 jobs…

Cut 5 (09) “…area”

Shreveport, Lake Charles, Monroe, and Houma all lost jobs over the year, but Shreveport saw a substantial 1,000 job gain between October and November. Bustamante knows why…

Cut 6 (04) “…The Area”

Those markets combined to lose 2,500 jobs.

________________________

Congress has raised the minimum smoking and vaping age to 21 nationwide. The provision was added to a year-end spending bill signed by President Donald Trump. Louisiana Health Secretary Rebecca Gee says it’s welcomed news considering, most people get addicted to nicotine in their teens.

Cut 7 (06) “…the public.”

Gee says any hurdle to keep tobacco products out of the hands of teens could help prevent them from becoming smokers and, also save the state money in future medical care.

Cut 8 (05) “…these products.”

The measure also raises the minimum age on purchasing chew tobacco to 21. Gee is glad Congress acted, because an effort to raise the minimum age in Louisiana failed earlier this year at the State Capitol…

Cut 9 (06) “…other challenges”

The new age requirement is expected to go into effect in nine months.

__________________________________________________

Gilead Sciences awards 245,000 dollars in grants to four Louisiana organizations to help combat HIV as part of 2.3 million dollars in grants administered across the south.  Corporate Contributions Director Arun Skaria says HIV is still a serious problem in America, but we’re near epidemic levels in the south…

Cut 10 (10) “…right now”

It’s the third year California-based Gilead has administered the COMPASS funds. Skaria says the South’s disproportionate representation in HIV numbers comes down to its persistent struggles with health issues, and history of discrimination.

Cut 11 (10) “…challenge.”

Skaria says the Central Louisiana AIDS Support Services, Louisiana Public Health Institute, Brotherhood Inc., and 504 Health Net will receive the funds.

Cut  12 (10) “leadership” 

__________________________________________________

LSU and Oklahoma hold their first practices in Atlanta today as they prepare for their semifinal game in the Peach Bowl. Peach Bowl C-E-O Gary Stokan says they are expecting a bunch of points inside the Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Saturday…

Cut 13 (11) “…December 28”

The two teams will also tour the College Football Hall of Fame today. They will have a go-kart outing tomorrow and then it’s all business for the two teams. But Stokan says for fans, there will be a fan night at the Georgia Aquarium on Friday and a fanfest Saturday, plus many other activities

Cut 14 (12) “…Olympic Park.”

Stokan says a record number of tickets have been purchased for the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl. He says it seems like sports fans are really excited about the matchups in the college football playoff

Cut 15 (11) “…two better games”

The winners of these two games will play for the national championship in New Orleans on January 13th.

______________________________________________

The Saints rallied from a 14-0 deficit to beat Tennessee 38-28 to keep alive their chances of getting the number one seed in the NFC playoffs. Drew Brees threw for 279 yards and three touchdowns and Michael Thomas he broke the NFL record for most receptions in a season, as he had 12 catches for 136 yards on the day. Thomas has 145 catches on the year, but he’s more worried about winning a title

Cut 16  (27)  …break more records” 

Alvin Kamara also had a big game as he rushed for two touchdowns. It was the first time he’s reached the end zone since Week 3, but he’s more worried about winning

Cut 17  (12) “I’m good” 

Coach Sean Payton is happy with the win, but not happy about the slow start or the 11 penalties, nine were in the first half

cut 18  (17)  areas”  

AAA tows an average of 850-thousand motorists over the holiday season but there are steps you can take ahead of the drive to get your destination without a hitch. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington 

_____________________

Isle of Capri gets approval from the Louisiana Gaming Control Board to be the first riverboat casino to crawl up out of the water and set up shop on land. Matt Doyle has the story.

cut  2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

__________________________________________

The National Retail Federation Estimates nearly 148-million U-S consumers will shop on super Saturday. That’s up from 134-million last year. LSU marketing professor Dan Rice says the last Saturday before Christmas has become the biggest shopping day of the year

Cut 3 (11) “…retailer.”

Rice says on this final weekend before the Christmas holiday, retailers do a good job marketing themselves to procrastinators

Cut 4 (11) “…more male”

Rice says there are some good deals to be had in the final shopping days before Christmas. But he says do a little research beforehand to make sure you are truly getting a great deal…

Cut 5 (08) “smart phone”

_______________________

According to AAA a third of the country will be in transit over the holidays, either by plane, trains or automobiles.  AAA Spokesperson Don Redman says that’s the most ever predicted in the last twenty years by the association and the majority of travelers will take to the roadways.

Cut 6 (07) “…patience.”

Redman says the top three reasons AAA tows during the holidays are flat tires, dead batteries, and lockouts, so have your car checked before you leave and take an extra set of keys.

In addition to patience on the roadways, Redman says be prepared to pay more at the pump this year if you’re traveling by car.

Cut 7 (07) “…several days”

However, after Christmas, Redman says gas prices should drop going into the New Year.

Airports will be packed in addition to the roads, AAA estimates a 5 percent increase in air travelers this year. Redman recommends arriving at the airport at least two hours before departure.

Cut 8 (05) “the holidays.”

Redman says the busiest travel day in the skies will be December 26^th.

The official traffic season begins this weekend and ends January 1^st.

_________________________________

The Louisiana Gaming Control Board approves plans for Lake Charles based Isle of Capri riverboat casino to move on land, the first facility to make the jump 18 months after the Legislature ok’d such moves.

The plan is to shutter the riverboat and build a 112.7 million dollar facility right nearby. L-G-C-B Chairman Ronnie Jones says the plan is a major expansion in food offerings…

Cut 9 (10) “…steakhouse”

Capri is just off I-10 west of Lake Charles.

Jones says the project is a significant investment for the company even as gaming revenues have stayed flat in Louisiana. He says this shows the Legislature’s decision is paying off.

Cut 10 (09) “…running”

The new facility will have 72,000 square feet of gaming space.

Considering how hard the industry pushed to allow riverboats on land, some are surprised it’s taken one this long to announce a move, but Jones says more are likely soon to follow.

Cut 11 (12) “follow suit”

______________________

St Tammany Parish is about to see major job growth. Medline Industries will build a distribution center that will create more than 460 new jobs near Covington. Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Don Pierson says the $53-million-dollar medical supply facility will be a major boon for the state.

Cut 12 (11) “…facility” 

Pierson says Medline might not be a household name, but they do business in more than 90 countries.

Cut 13 (09) “…company.”

Pierson says a strong workforce for companies to draw from and Interstates 12 and 55 near the area make the location very attractive for industry.

Cut 14 (06) “…distribution.”

Also in St Tammany, Ampirical, is expected to create 400 new jobs over the next decade with an average salary of $85-thousand, as they construction corporate headquarters in the parish.

The National Weather Service reports a deadly tornado that tore through central Louisiana was a highly powerful EF-3.

Cut 1 (28) “…I’m Matt Doyle 

_____________________

Governor Edwards highlights the success of his administration during 2019, the final year of his first term. Jeff Palermo has the story…

cut  2 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

__________________________________________

Senator John Kennedy says Democrats may support impeachment in the House, but there’s next to no shot the Senate will vote to remove the President.

Kennedy says House Democrats failed to prove the President tried to without military aid to Ukraine in exchange for an investigation into the Bidens.

Cut 3 (07) “…fried chicken.”

Polls show Americans are still sharply divided on the issue along partisan lines, and Kennedy says the Upper Chamber is as well, which makes the odds of President Trump being removed slim to none.

Cut 4 (11) “…as well”

An AP poll of House Representatives shows Democratic defections on impeachment in the House will be in the low single digits.

Once the House votes to impeach, Kennedy says the Senate will take up the issue in the first week of the New Year.

Cut 5 (10) “Trump”

_______________________

A tornado that flattened parts of central Louisiana during it’s 62 mile trip from DeRidder to Alexandria is confirmed to have peaked at EF-3, with winds of 140 to 160 miles per hour.

NWS Forecaster Kent Kuyper says the twister peaked at a remarkable 400 yards wide but varied wildly depending on where it was.

Cut 6 (07) “…strength.”

Kuyper says it’s the biggest tornado he’s seen strike the region in his 20 years out of Lake Charles…

Cut 7 (08) “…EF-2”

The system was a full EF-3 when it entered southwest Alexandria, but had dipped down to around an EF-1 when passing south of Leesville.

The tornado grew as the system moved through the region, and Kuyper says he had upgraded the situation from a regular tornado, before making a rare declaration as it approached Alexandria…

Cut 8 (11) “dangers.”

One person died in Vernon Parish as a result of the event when their mobile home was crushed by another trailer that had been flung by the high winds.

_________________________________

At his end of the year press conference, Governor John Bel Edwards said it’s a good time to be a Louisianan right now. Edwards says not only can the state say it’s home to LSU and the Saints, but Louisiana’s economy continues to grow

Cut 9 (13) “…in Lousiana”

Edwards says one of the big economic development wins this year was the retaining of CenturyLink’s corporate headquarters in Monroe through 2025.

The governor says they continue to see positive results from the expansion of the Medicaid program, which is providing insurance to 466-thousand residents. Edwards says a recent Tulane study found more people are going to the doctor and taking their necessary medication

Cut 10 (07) “…our goal”

Edwards says in 2019 budget stability was achieved for the first time in years. He says it led to a pay raise for teachers and additional investments into education

Cut 11 (10) “in a decade”

______________________

A spirited debate is ongoing on the House floor today ahead of tonight’s vote to impeach President Donald Trump. New Orleans Congressman Cedric Richmond is the lone member of Louisiana’s House delegation who supports removing President Trump out of office because he’s doing irreparable harm to our country…

Cut 12 (11) “…Donald Trump” 

Richmond says Trump abused his power by pressuring Ukraine into investigating a political rival in exchange for military aid

Cut 13 (07) “…to justice.”

But Republican Louisiana Congressman Mike Johnson from Benton says it’s the House Democrats who are abusing their power

Cut 14 (13) “…due process.”

The state transportation department announces it is stepping up safety measures to protect its workers. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”

_________________________________

Alexandria Mayor Jeff Hall says the western end of town is in rebuild mode after it was hit by a powerful tornado. Jeff Palermo has the story.

cut  2 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

__________________________________________

Saints Quarterback Drew Brees is the NFL’s new all-time touchdown passing leader. Brees surpassed Peyton Manning’s mark of 539 TD passes by tossing four touchdown passes in a 34-7 win over the Colts. Brees says it was special to do it on a night the franchise honored the 2009 Super Bowl team

Cut 3 (12) “…as well.”

Brees now has 541 touchdown passes and the 40-year-old appreciates what football has given to him…

Cut 4 (12) “…for ever”

With the win, the Saints improve to 11-3 with the win as they are looking for a second Super Bowl championship. Brees says he can’t spend much time reflecting on this latest record…

Cut 5 (12) “…so appreciative.”

_______________________

DOTD lays out plans for increased safety measures at a ceremony honoring Johnny Cole, an employee killed on the job when he was struck by an 18-wheeler this summer.  DOTD spokesperson Rodney Mallett says they will implement a spotter for two-person crews.

Cut 6 (08) “…are paying attention.”

Mallett says cones will now be placed further back from a work area equipped with a bell or alarm mechanism.

Cut 7 (10) “…react as well.”

DOTD is also buying 70 trailers with bright flashing LED arrows.  Mallett says safety vests will also change from orange to neon yellow.  There will also be brighter lighting on top of vehicles.

Cut 8 (08) “…it miles away.”

_________________________________

Slidell Senator Sharon Hewitt will lead the Senate Republican caucus in the upcoming session, with the job of uniting the Upper Chambers’ GOP supermajority.

The fall elections likely brought an end to a Senate that aligned itself with Governor Edwards over the past four years, and Hewitt is optimistic the chamber can pass a more conservative agenda.

Cut 9 (09) “…caucus”

Hewitt says the caucus is not opposed to having a relationship with Governor Edwards over the next four years if he is willing to find common ground with them on some conservative priorities.

Cut 10 (12) “…markets.”

Hewitt says they’re still pinpointing exactly what issues will take precedence in the spring, but so far the caucus seems to be on board with one lingering issue.

Cut 11 (10) “insurance”

The senator also says they may look at a proposal to move DOTD salaries into the general fund to free up more money for roadwork.

______________________

Alexandria is among the areas getting a clearer picture today of the devastation left by yesterday’s twister outbreak.  Mayor Jeff Hall says damage to homes, businesses, and churches is most concentrated on the western side of the city.

Cut 12 (09) “…variety of areas.” 

Hall says about a thousand homes were without electricity during the peak of a power outage.  Closed roads slowed down the work of power crews.

Cut 13 (07) “…they are passable.”

Hall says the Johnny Downs Sports Complex saw extensive damage.

Cut 14 (08) “…out and rebuild.”

Following a sweep of all the major accolades of college football, Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin declares today “LSU Football Day” throughout the state.  Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

_________________________________

Four southeast Louisiana men in their 30s are under arrest for allegedly killing two Asian water buffalo on a ranch in Plaquemines Parish. Matt Doyle has more.

cut  2 (30) “.Matt Doyle.”

__________________________________________

After a 13-0 run so far, only two games remain on the road to a College Football Playoff National Championship for the Bayou Bengals. In celebration of LSU’s success, Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin proclaims today as LSU Football day throughout the entire state.

Cut 3 (11) “…that got awards.”

Ardoin says today is the day for residents to wear purple and gold and break out the best LSU decorations.

Cut 4 (09) “…the upcoming game.”

After a week off, LSU returns to practice today to get ready for their semifinal matchup against Oklahoma on December 28th. Ardoin has faith the Tigers will go all the way

Cut 5 (04) “…will do it.” (2x)

_______________________

Four people have been arrested for hunting and killing two Asian Water Buffalo on a ranch in Plaquemines Parish. Ag Commissioner Mike Strain says they harvested the meat and bragged about it on social media.

Cut 6 (10) “…arrested”

30-year-old Andrew Crawford, 35-year-old Billy Johnson, 37-year-old Randall Siebert, and 32-year-old Lane Siebert are facing felony charges.  Strain says they’re all looking at jail time.

Cut 7 (11) “…livestock.”

Strain says everyone involved is now facing felony charges as a result because you can’t just hunt someone else’s livestock.

Cut 8 (08) “…park”

_________________________________

Sheriff offices in Rapides, Washington, and Orleans Parish have been hit by a cyberattack that’s left some services unavailable or limited in those areas. Cybersecurity expert Robert Allen says public employees need to stop opening questionable files on their computers that expose the network…

Cut 9 (09) “…lines”

The state suffered a similar attack that knocked out the Office of Motor Vehicles last month, and Allen says this latest attack is a testament to how impactful a cybersecurity threat can be.

Cut 10 (04) “…infrastructure.”

Allen says workers in both state and private institutions need to remain vigilant and follow best practices when using company computers.

Cut 11 (08) “…junk.”

______________________

Tornado activity has rocked parts of the state today.  National Weather Service Lake Charles Meteorologist Rob Megnia says a twister in Beauregard Parish, caused damage in the DeRidder area.

Cut 12 (07) “…yet fortunately.” 

In Rapides Parish, storm damage has been confirmed in the Plainview area. Megnia says if a tornado warning comes across your phone or radio for your area, take action.

Cut 13 (06) “…shelter somewhere else.”

Megnia says this type of weather is typical for this time of year.  A cold front is moving south, but the Gulf is still producing enough warmth and moisture to be a recipe for severe weather.

Cut 14 (07) “…have those conditions.”

Joe Burrow’s legendary status continues to grow after he gives a heartfelt Heisman Trophy acceptance speech. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo.”

________________________________________

An impeachment vote moves to the House floor this week. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart.” 

____________________________________________

LSU President F. King Alexander is headed to Oregon State, and the search is on for his replacement…

Cut 3 (30) “ I’m Matt Doyle.”

__________________________________________________

Quarterback Joe Burrow delivered a memorable and tearful Heisman Trophy acceptance speech on Saturday night after he became only second Tiger to win the prestigious award. He started his speech by thanking his offensive line and ended it by thanking Coach Ed Orgeron who showed faith in him

Cut 4 (14) “…(applause)”

Burrow won the Heisman by a landslide over three other finalists. It’s the largest margin of victory in the 85-year history of the award. He also received the highest percentage of first-place votes and the highest percentage of possible points, 94-percentage. After his speech, Burrow said it’s a dream come true

Cut 5 (12) “…national title”

Burrow describes himself as just a man from Athens, Ohio, who faced adversity when he transferred from Ohio State. He says his story shows hard work pays off…

Cut 6 (11) “…offseason work”

__________________________________________________

China and the US agree to a “phase one” trade deal that will see some tariffs on China canceled, and in exchange the People’s Republic agrees to purchase tens of billions dollars of US agricultural goods.

US Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue was giving a commencement address at Southern as the news broke. He celebrated the news…

Cut 7 (10) “…domestically.”

The President estimates China could purchase around 50 billion dollars of additional ag products as a result.

Purdue says the agreement will be a shot in the arm to American growers.

Cut 8 (07) “…here.”

This comes on the heels of news early last week that House Democrats will back a revamped trade deal with Mexico and Canada. Purdue says these two agreements combined are great news for Louisiana Ag.

Cut 9 (06) “…respect.”

__________________________________________________

An impeachment vote on the House floor is imminent following a Judiciary Committee vote on Friday. Northwest Louisiana Congressman Mike Johnson says the founding fathers warned against single party impeachments as it would be bitterly divisive, which he says is exactly the case in this situation.

Cut 10 (08) “…in the bottle.”

Two articles, one focusing on abuse of power related to a phone call where President Trump is accused of holding up federal aid to Ukraine in exchange for dirt on a political rival and the other on obstruction for refusal to cooperate in the impeachment inquiry, are heading to the floor. Johnson says impeachment has been the goal of Democrats since day one of the Trump administration.

Cut 11 (12) “…would remove him.”

Johnson says the impeachment proceedings boil down to one thing: Democrats just don’t like anything about Trump.

Cut  12 (10) “…charge of impeachment.” 

New Orleans Congressman Cedric Richmond also sat on the Committee and voted in favor of impeachment.

__________________________________________________

LSU Law Dean Thomas Galligan takes over as interim school President while the institution conducts a national search to replace former President F. King Alexander, who left for Oregon State.

Council for a Better Louisiana President Barry Erwin says the search may be national, but we’re starting to hear some prominent local names as early favorites.

Cut 13 (10) “…university”

Dardenne leads the Division of Administration, and Moret is the President of the LSU Foundation.

Erwin says whoever takes over for Alexander will have big shoes to fill. Erwin says Alexander was making good progress on turning LSU into a destination for talented students and staff, so they’ll have to…

Cut 14 (11) “…students”

But it is LSU, and so athletic success remains a requirement for the job. The school recently invested a lot of money in new AD Scott Woodward, but the new Pres will have to keep an eye on the program…

Cut 15 (11) “…of it.”

Alexander’s last day will be December 31^st. He served as school President for six years.

______________________________________________

After a tough loss to the 49ers last week, the Saints look to get back on track tonight when they host the 6-and-7 Indianapolis Colts. Indy has lost three in a row, but they have a few standout performers, like linebacker Darius Leonard who had two interceptions last week. Coach Sean Payton on Leonard

Cut 16  (19)  …hands on it” 

The Saints are 10-and-3 and in a fight to get the number one seed in the NFC playoffs. Quarterback Drew Brees says it’s time to start playing their best football

Cut 17  (19) “building towards” 

One area of improvement for the Saints is in the red zone. This season they are only scoring touchdowns 56-percent of the time in the red zone. Last year they were just at 68-percent. For the season, running back Alvin Kamara has just two touchdowns. He spoke this week about improving in the red zone

cut 18  (16)     successful”  

The award-winning Alex Winter Fete kicks off today in Downtown Alexandria.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (27) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”

_________________________________

With the holidays coming up, the state Office of Public Health raises concerns that only 25-percent of healthy adults in the state have received a flu shot. Jeff Palermo has the story…

cut  2 (31) “.Jeff Palermo.”    

__________________________________________

Downtown Alexandria is the focal point of holiday spirit this weekend in Rapides Parish with the Alex Winter Fete.  There is no shortage of arts and craft vendors for holiday shopping, a gumbo cook-off, and Interim Director of Community Services TJ Nash, Sr. says for those feeling they need to burn holiday calories, an ugly sweater 5k.

Cut 3 (08) “…their ugly sweaters.”

Nash says several popular attractions are returning this year adding visitors are coming from as far away as the North Pole for the festivities.

Cut 4 (08) “…for our youngsters.”

Nash says no Louisiana celebration would be complete without live music and a parade.

Cut 5 (10) “…approximately 2pm.”

Festivities kick off today and run through Sunday.  More details can be found at alexwinterfete.com.

_______________________

At 7PM tonight Louisiana Public Broadcasting takes a deep dive into the world and history of Bayou State duck hunting with In the Blind.

The program interviews hunters from around the state, and was created by New Orleans based producer Emma Lou Reid who went on her first duck hunt in Caplan three years ago.

Cut 6 (11) “…be told”

Reid, a Minnesota native, spoke about the program this morning on Talk Louisiana.

The program takes a look at just what makes a good duck hunter. Reid says having good aim is just one small part of the package…

Cut 7 (10) “…natural landscape.”

Reid says the show traces the evolution of duck hunting from a do or die way of life to the now highly popular, and highly regulated sport.

Cut 8 (10) “…hunting.”

The program will reair at 11:30 tonight, and 6:30 Sunday.

_________________________________

The White House is scrambling today to sure up Senate support for a new trade agreement with Mexico and Canada amid growing concerns by conservatives over the House backed bill.

Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced Democratic House support for the bill earlier this week after a compromise was reached, but Senator John Kennedy says the new changes may have gone too far…

Cut 9 (09) “…weakended.”

The US Trade Representative is briefing Senate Republicans today, hoping to allay concerns that the deal is too liberal after it won the backing of a major labor union. Kennedy says the bill is now stuffed.

Cut 10 (08) “…Mexico.”

Louisiana Delegation members Senator Bill Cassidy, and Congressmen Ralph Abraham and Garret Graves have announced their support for the USMCA deal, but for Kennedy, the jury is still out…

Cut 11 (09) “…for it.”

Louisiana Ag Commissioner Mike Strain also celebrated the deal earlier this week.

______________________

The state Office of Public Health says only 25-percent of healthy adults have received a flu shot this year. Immunization medical director, Doctor Frank Welch, says that percentage needs to increase since flu activity is widespread in the state, with almost three times as much activity as the regional baseline

Cut 12 (06) “the flu” 

Welch says Louisiana is already close to matching the peak of last year’s flu season and that was one of the worst in years. He says the B strain of flu is going around Louisiana, while the rest of the country is getting sick from the more severe A-strain…

Cut 13 (09) “…flu shot”

During the 2018-19 flu season, 15-thousand Louisiana residents were hospitalized by the flu, while 15-hundred died from the virus. Welch says protect yourself now…

Cut 14 (08) “flu shot”

Impeachment proceedings continue this morning in House Judiciary where members will review articles of impeachment drawn up over the weekend…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle.”

________________________________________

Work on widening and improving portions of I-12 is scheduled to begin before the end of the year. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

____________________________________________

The LSU Board of Supervisors is concerned a new ACT policy may be discriminating against students from lower income households. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 3 (30) “ I’m Matt Doyle.”

__________________________________________________

The House Judiciary Committee meets again this morning to review articles of impeachment drafted this weekend by Democrats. Impeachment proceedings are beginning to move quickly, and Judiciary Committee member and Benton Congressman Mike Johnson says we could see a resolution soon.

Cut 4 (08) “…week”

The articles are being drawn up in response to the President’s alleged effort to pressure Ukraine into investigating political rivals using Congressionally appropriated military aid.

Johnson says Republicans are being kept out of the loop on what to expect today, so no one is really sure how Democrats will approach crafting the articles.

Cut 5 (04) “…develops”

New Orleans Democratic Congressman Cedric Richmond also sits on the committee.

Johnson, a Republican, says the new sense of urgency from Democrats leading the impeachment charge is thanks to a political clock that is starting to rapidly tick down…

Cut 6 (07) “…comming up”

Several Democratic primary contenders are either Senators or Representatives, and a protracted impeachment process could pull them off the campaign trail.

______________________________________________________

Work to widen and improve I-12 between US 190 and LA 59 begins in the upcoming weeks. The first phase is being handled by James Construction Group and is estimated to cost $55 million.  DOTD Secretary Shawn Wilson says the project has been in the works for a while.

Cut 7 (10) “…potential rear ends.”

A second phase will cost about $38 million.  Wilson says while funding for the initial two phases is coming from both St. Tammany Parish and the state, much of the funding is federal grant money.

Cut 8 (12) “…competitive and successful.”

DOTD is also preparing for the third phase of improvements between LA 1077 and LA 21.

Wilson says the DOTD is asking motorists to be patient as they are traveling through the upcoming construction zones.

Cut 9 (07) “…pinch in traffic.”
Wilson anticipates construction to take about two years for all phases to be completed.

______________________________________________________

LSU is in the college football playoff for the first time ever. The Tigers are the number one seed and they’ll play Oklahoma in a national semifinal game in Atlanta on December 28. LSU Coach Ed Orgeron says getting into the playoff is an accomplishment, but it’s not the final destination

Cut 10 (10) “takes us”

The winner between the Tigers and Sooners, will face the winner between Ohio State and Clemson. The national championship game will be played January 13th in New Orleans.

The LSU-Oklahoma game is matchup of two of the top five highest-scoring offenses in the country. And both teams are led by quarterbacks who transferred from another school, Jalen Hurts for Oklahoma and Joe Burrow for LSU. Orgeron says they wouldn’t be here without Burrow…

Cut 11 (09) “without him”

This is Oklahoma’s fourth appearance in the playoff, but they have yet to win a game. Sooners coach Lincoln Riley says the experience will help, but it will not determine who wins in Atlanta…

Cut  12 (12) “…to that” 

The number one seed has yet to win the C-F-P in five years.

_________________________________________________________

Members of the LSU Board of Supervisors express concern that a new ACT policy allowing students to retake specific sections of the test is economically discriminatory.

Board member Remy Starns says many kids from poor families don’t have the luxury of constantly retaking the vital college admissions test.

Cut 13 (10) “…once.”

Starns notes 15 percent of students take the test four or more times already.

Students are already allowed to retake the full test as many times as they want, but Starns says allowing test takers to focus in on just one section when for a specific test day creates an unlevel playing field.

Cut 14 (09) “nature.” 

The company that distributes the ACT says their studies show allowing multiple retakes does not advantage kids from higher-income families.

Starns says the test system is already biased towards well off kids, because at this time because while 70 percent of students take the test more than once…

Cut 15 (10) “…some do”

VP for enrollment management Joe Aviles notes as other states allow the policy, Lousiana may be forced to join them to allow their students to remain competitive.
______________________________________________

The Saints no longer control the opportunity to have the number one seed in the N-F-C playoffs after losing a wild 48-46 contest to the San Francisco 49ers in the Superdome. This game had six lead changes. Coach Sean Payton ‘s team falls to 10-and-3 on the season

Cut 16  (13)  …needed to” 

The Saints took a one-point lead with 53 seconds left when Drew Brees connected with Tre’Quan Smith on an 18-yard touchdown pass. But the 49ers won it on a 30-yard field goal by Robbie Gould. George Kittle’s 39-yard reception on fourth and two was the big play. Payton on how they tried to defend it…

Cut 17  (17) you in the end ” 

Payton’s postgame press conference lasted three minutes and this is how it ended…

cut 18  (13)     that way”  

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Louisiana Tech is heading to a bowl game for a sixth consecutive season and they will not have to travel far. The Bulldogs will face Miami in the Walk On’s Independence Bowl on December 26th at Independence Stadium in Shreveport. Tech Coach Skip Holtz is glad they’ll be home for Christmas

cut 19 (20)  26th ”  

Miami’s head coach is Manny Diaz, who was a former defensive coordinator under Holtz at La Tech. And the Hurricanes defensive coordinator is Blake Baker, who spent four seasons in Ruston under Holtz. So the Bulldogs have an idea on what they’ll face…

cut 20 (18) “the ball”    

Two State Fire Marshal deputies have been arrested in separate investigations. Jeff Palermo reports one of the deputies was taken into custody after it was learned his K-9 died from malnourishment…

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

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The Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality sustained a 30 percent budget cut between 2008 and 2018 according to a study out of D.C. Matt Doyle has more…

cut  2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”    

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The State Fire Marshal’s Office announces the arrest of two of their deputies on malfeasance charges. An investigation began on one of the deputies after it was determined his K-9 died from a lack of food and water. Executive Director of the Louisiana Humane Society Jeff Dorson

Cut 3 (06) “…food and water”

Corporal Robert Fain from Bossier Parish faces several charges including a count of Aggravated Cruelty to Animals. Another corporal, Clay Barrett of Calcasieu Parish, has also been arrested on malfeasance as a result of a separate investigation.

A necropsy of Maily revealed neglectful malnourishment as the cause of death as opposed to a lengthy illness as claimed by Fain. Dorson says agency supervisors should conduct random inspections of their issued police dogs …

Cut 4 (10) “…healthy”

Fain is also facing additional charges for allegedly claiming fraudulent hours and expenses related to working with the dog. Investigators have also learned Fain took steps to cover up incomplete investigative work. Dorson says Fain should receive a stiff sentence…

Cut 5 (12) “…high penalties”

Barrett’s charges are the result of investigators finding out that he allegedly took steps to cover-up incomplete and -or incorrect investigative work in two of his fire cases.

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A Brookhaven, Mississippi man is $1.2 million richer after purchasing a jackpot-winning Louisiana Lotto ticket at a Circle K store in Kentwood. Lottery spokesperson Dustin Annison says it is not every day that someone line 72-year-old Darryl Jordan comes in and claims such a large prize.

Cut 6 (04) “…of this year.”

Jordan won the prize during the Wednesday night drawing. Mississippi now has its own lottery, but Annison says that won’t keep Jordan from playing in Louisiana as he has done for years.

Cut 7 (08) “…to play it.”

Annison says Jordan already has plans for his winnings.

Cut 8 (05) “…his big win.”

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A Calhoun man is in jail accused of holding his girlfriend captive for days and beating her multiple times at various locations.  Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s spokesperson Glen Springfield says the harrowing episode ended when witnesses called authorities after seeing 22-year-old Michael Vaughn taking the victim by the hair…

Cut 9 (11) “…her abdomen.”

Springfield says the victim claims multiple attacks took place over two days later when she was attacked at their home with a closed fist and a baseball bat.

Cut 10 (13) “…the phone was.”

Springfield says if it wasn’t for the quick response of witnesses calling authorities, this situation could have seen a different conclusion.

Cut 11 (07) “…as it was.”

Vaughn was already on probation and now faces four felonies.

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A report by the D.C. based Environmental Integrity Project shows the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality saw it’s budget cut by 35 percent between 2008 and 2018.

Those cuts came while the state saw an increasing number of petrochemical projects take hold, but DEQ Secretary Chuck Brown says it hasn’t significantly hampered their capabilities.

Cut 12 (10) “we have” 

The department also saw a 35 percent decline in staffing during that period, the fourth-highest percentage of cuts to staffing of any state during that period, but LDEQ spokesperson Greg Langley says much of the losses were not to regulatory staff.

Brown notes the department does not get money from the state general fund, but their staffing levels, and how much they can charge in fees are determined by the state.

Cut 13 (08) “…sustained”

The Secretary says despite the cuts in staff and funding, they’ve never failed to obtain key benchmarks set by the EPA.

Cut 14 (09) “…St. Bernard”

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Governor John Bel Edwards pledges more money for higher education. Edwards increased funding for public colleges by 47-million for this fiscal year, but the Board of Regents is requesting a 156-million-dollar boost for the upcoming budget. UL System President Jim Henderson says the increase in funds would entice high quality faculty…

Cut 15 (12) “…faculty.”

Henderson says additional money is also needed to ensure that TOPS students will have their tuition paid for throughout a four-year college career…

Cut 16  (10)  …bargain.” 

A new agreement for Hepatitis C medications is paying off big for Louisiana Medicaid and Corrections patients. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (29) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

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Savoie’s Sausage announces plans to expand its production facility in St. Landry Parish. Jeff Palermo has the story…

cut  2 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”    

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A new Hepatitis C treatment agreement allows the Louisiana Department of Health to treat more Medicaid and Corrections patients in 75 days than in all of Fiscal Year 2019.

Office of Public Health Assistant Secretary Dr. Alex Billioux says the agreement with Asegua for “Subscription Model” access has resulted in 2,290 people getting treatment since July 15^th.

Cut 3 (09) “…folks.”

The “Subscription Model” plan runs through the next five years.

Hep C is the deadliest infectious disease in the nation, with tens of thousands dying from related complications every year. Billioux says that’s why getting unlimited access to the pill is so crucial.

Cut 4 (08) “…infection”

The CDC estimates 3.5 million Americans live with Hep C.

Billioux says Hep C kills more Americans than all other infectious diseases combined, but you might not be aware of how deadly it is because of how slowly symptoms progress.

Cut 5 (09) “…body”

The homeless, drug users, and those who live or work in non-sterile environments are most at risk for catching Hep C.

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Grambling State completes one of the institution’s largest fundraising campaigns, collecting more than $6.6 million over the course of three years. University Vice President of Advancement Marc Newman says the school saw a 150% increase in alumni participation with more than 5,700 gifts over the course of the campaign.

Cut 6 (10) “…to do that.”

Newman says the money will support scholarships and the institution’s programs.

Cut 7 (10) “…at growing that.”

Newman says basketball star Magic Johnson’s company, SodexoMAGIC, gave the largest unrestricted donation of the campaign.

Cut 8 (12) “…higher education in general.”

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Jennings Police arrest five people connected to a Friday night shooting that left 22-year-old Dakota Chaisson dead.  The incident happened at the Wade Event Center during a private party attended by 150 people.  Chief Danny Semmes says a motive in unclear.

Cut 9 (10) “…fled the scene.”

Semmes says there was a lack of cooperation from the public, making the case challenging, but after reviewing surveillance video and witness statements, the initial arrests were made yesterday.

Cut 10 (13) “…for three others.”

Police are still seeking Keghan Moore of Lake Charles and Dymond Brown of Welsh, both facing charges of second-degree murder, and Daren Zeno of Welsh as an accessory after the fact.  Semmes says it is unusual to have so many suspects.

Cut 11 (05) “…was planned out.”

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Savoie’s Sausage and Food Products announces a 12.7-million dollar expansion at its St. Landry Parish production facility. President Frederick Lafleur says construction will begin next month on a 41-thousand square foot facility on their existing property near Opelousas

Cut 12 (09) “more customers” 

Lafleur says the expansion will take about eight months to complete and it will allow them to nearly double their production.

Cut 13 (11) “…Louisiana.”

Savoie’s was founded in 1955. Lafleur says they started talking with the state last year about expanding and they received an incentive package that includes a performance-based, forgivable loan of 100-thousand dollars…

Cut 14 (11) “…in the future”

Lafleur says once construction is completed, he’ll hire six more workers. They currently have 100 employees. The project is also expected to generate an estimated 172 construction jobs.

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