Five Louisiana children from the Marksville area heading to Disney World were killed in a multi-vehicle wreck on Interstate 75 in north Florida on Thursday. Jeff Palermo has the latest…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Louisiana Congressman Clay Higgins says the first day of the new Democratic controlled House set the tone for the next two years in the chamber…

Cut 2 (28) “Im Matt Doyle”  

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Five Louisiana children from the Marskville area on their way to Disney World are among the seven dead in a fiery crash on Interstate 75 in north Florida on Thursday. Florida Highway Patrol Lt. Patrick Riordan says the five vehicle wreck started when a big rig and passenger car heading north collided

Cut 3 (12) “…semi truck.”

Witnesses say when the two semi-trucks collided an explosion occurred. Authorities say the drivers of the two big rigs were killed and several others injured. The passenger van from the Avoyelles House of Mercy was heading south. Riordan expects a lengthy into the cause of the crash…

Cut 4 (13) “…this magnitude″

The United Pentecostal Church says 12 people were in the van, including Karen Descant, the pastor’s wife. Two other adults were also in the van, they all survived, including a pregnant woman who gave birth after the wreck. The four children injured are expected to recover.

Riordan says the Florida Highway Patrol’s investigation will include homicide detectives…

Cut 5 (12) “…transpired.”

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The St. Landry’s Veterans Memorial in Opelousas has been defaced by vandals and investigators are looking for the culprits.  Project organizer of the memorial, Pat Mason-Guillory says the area is covered in racial slurs, other derogatory language, as well as damaged lighting and signs.

Cut 6 (12) “…loss for words.”

Since the project’s completion, a wall was erected to include the names of parish combatants who died in battle and the names of their family members.  Mason-Guillory says a walkway containing 3300 bricks commemorates vets from the parish who served actively from World War I up to current conflicts.

Cut 7 (11) “…those who served.”

Detectives from the St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office are still looking for leads in the case.  Once the investigation at the scene is wrapped up, Mason-Guillory says the community has reached out to assist in the cleanup effort.

Cut 8 (05) “…come and help.”

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The Lafayette Public Library has agreed to lift a ban on groups hoping to organize Drag Queen Story Time events after a lawsuit from the ACLU. After legal action from an anti-Story Time group, visitors hoping to hold events had to sign a form promising not to do a Drag event at the library. ACLU Louisiana Legal Director Katie Schwartzmann says the form was unconstitutional.

Cut 9 (10) “…their viewpoint″

Story Time is an event where Drag Queens read stories to school kids about accepting their LGBTQ classmates. A Drag Queen reading at the library was canceled last year.

Schwartzmann says its one piece of an ongoing legal battle against an organization that she says specializes in preventing Story Time like events from happening at public facilities.

Cut 10 (10) “…these events”

Schwartzmann says the library’s policy is back to its former, pre-Story Time, state.

Cut 11 (11) “…the room”

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A 64-year-old scam artist from Texas is behind bars after he allegedly convinced a  victim in Rapides Parish to pay him over $60,000, so he can pay US taxes and fees in Nigeria…

Cut 1 (33) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

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Louisiana is one of nine states with a high number of flu cases. Jeff Palermo spoke with LSU Health New Orleans Infectious Diseases specialist Doctor Fred Lopez…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”  

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A 64-year-old Texas man is in the Rapides Parish detention center accused of scamming a victim out of over $60,000 over the course of several months.  The scammer convinced the victim, he would be given a million dollars, but needed assistance paying US taxes and fees from Nigeria.  Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Capt. Tommy Carnline says the scammer claimed to be a retired FBI agent.

Cut 3 (09) “…is so unfortunate.”

Detectives got a break in the case when one of the persons that was wired money was identified as Scott Alan Romans.  A warrant was entered into a national database, and he was arrested following a traffic stop in Gulfport, Mississippi.  Carnline says an arrest in a case like this is unusual, because scammers cover their tracks well.

Cut 4 (12) “…that money immediately.″

Carnline says in most situations, the money is gone and there is no way to get it back to the victim.

Cut 5 (06) “…hard to do.”
Romans remains incarcerated.  His bond is $20,000.

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Louisiana is one of nine states reporting a high activity level for flu-like illnesses. That’s according to CDC’s latest U-S Influenza Surveillance report. LSU Health New Orleans Infectious Diseases specialist, Doctor Fred Lopez, encourages Louisiana residents to get the flu shot now

Cut 6 (09) “…be protected”

The CDC says 4.5 percent of the hospital visits in Louisiana during the Christmas week were because of the flu or flu-like illnesses. Lopez says it’s not a surprise to see an uptick in cases around the holidays, but will we see a severe flu season???

Cut 7 (06) “…right now”

Last year was a bad flu season. The state department of health estimates the flu hospitalized 15-hundred people and contributed to 16-hundred deaths. Lopez says doctors are also treating cases of strep throat and various respiratory viruses

Cut 8 (08) “…type of infections”

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Southeastern Louisiana University is asking area residents to donate their Christmas trees for wetland restoration. Southeastern’s Turtle Cove Environmental Research Station manager Rob Moreau says before you drop off your old Christmas Tree at a recycling site, make sure there no ornaments on them……

Cut 9 (11) “…lights obviously″

This marks the 24th straight year Southeastern has conducted its recycled tree program, and Moreau estimates that 40,000 trees have been deployed since then.

Moreau says the research Southeastern scientists at Turtle Cove use the discarded trees to help build up marshland in areas that have been affected by erosion with a simple process…

Cut 10 (12) “…in and around”

Moreau says the trees will also benefit ongoing research on the trees’ effects on helping to fill in test logging ditches, creation of Christmas tree “mounds” to create habitats for wildlife and help to control erosion along various shorelines, most recently occurring on Galva Canal.

Trees can be dropped beginning today, and the Southeastern Sustainability Center on North Oak Street will serve as a drop-off point for area residents. Other partners include the city of Hammond and Middendorf’s Restaurant in Manchac, the Hammond Maintenance Facility and Penningtons Hardware and Screenprinting in Madisonville.

Moreau says Middendorf’s has an offer for donors…

Cut 11 (10) “…free lunch”

For directions to drop off sites and available drop off times visit the southeastern.edu/turtlecove website and click the News and Events tab.

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What appears to be a deliberate killing of five wild horses gunned down in the Peason Ridge Wildlife Management Area is under investigation.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (28) “I’m Kevin Barnhart.”

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A split Congress may not be good news for Louisiana centric legislation…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”  

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A 68 year old man faces terrorizing charges after threatening to shoot shoppers at a store.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 3 (29) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

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The US 11 bridge between Slidell and New Orleans will be shut down to traffic starting today, running through April 18^th. Department of Transportation Spokesperson Rodney Mallet says it’s the continuation of a lengthy repair process that won’t be completely finished until summer of 2020.

Cut 4 (06) “…system installed.” 

The repairs will cost 28 million dollars.

Mallet says the nearly 100 year old structure is facing new age electrical problems, and often puts commuters on their way to and from the Northshore and New Orleans East in a bit of a bind…

Cut 5 (10) “…kind of unreliable.”

Mallet says the closure will end up rerouting quite a bit of traffic.

Cut 6 (08) “…well traveled road.”

And says if you’re looking to cross Lake Pontchartrain from the Slidell area, you’ll need to take I-10 instead.

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Five out of six Louisiana US House members find themselves out of power as Democrats take control of the lower chamber today. LSU Poli Sci Professor Dr. Robert Hogan says this could make it harder to get funding for Louisiana specific flood protection projects.

Cut 7 (12) “…any power”

The Bayou State only has one Democrat in the Congressional delegation, Cedric Richmond, who recently was named Assistant Majority Whip.

Hogan says with Democrats in control of the House, expect climate change related legislation to come up…

Cut 8 (10) “…those lines.”

The increased partisanship in Congress is unlikely to make that a reality though. Hogan says The House and Senate couldn’t even agree on a budget when both were controlled by Republicans, so get ready for two years of hardcore gridlock.

Cut 9 (10) “…thing done.″

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A 68-year-old man is arrested and charged with terrorizing after threatening to shoot up a store.   The Thibodaux Police Department says Louis Albarado became irate after he claims someone took his shopping cart while he was not looking.  Police Lt. Clint Dempster says store management handle the situation well.

Cut 10 (10)   “…police got there.”

Dempster says the man had accused several different customers of taking the cart during his time in the store.

Cut 11 (08) “…he found out.”

Albarado later told police his intention was to go grab his .44 magnum and return to the store to shoot the person responsible for the missing buggy.

Cut 12 (04)   “…out of his vehicle.”

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The shooting deaths of five horses at Peason Ridge Wildlife Management Area is currently being investigated by Ft. Polk personnel.  Spokesperson for the Pegasus Equine Guardian Association Amy Hanchey says she believes the killings were no accident and is glad to know the base is investigating the matter.

Cut 13 (08) “…things like that.”

Hanchey say historical documentation shows the wild horses have roamed the area dating back to the 14^th century and genetic testing indicates very strong Colonial Spanish ties.

Cut 14 (11) “…of biological isolation.”

A post from the organization’s Facebook page says one horse, likely the first, was shot in the face, and then it appears the horses in the herd were shot as they tried to flee.  Hanchey says the first report she received of the shooting was on the 29^th, but the act could have taken place as early as the 27^th.

Cut 15 (10) “…within the week.”

Hospitals are now required to post a list of prices for their services on their website. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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The Associated Press reports 22 state lawmakers left before finishing their term over the last three years. Why such a high turnover rate?  Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”  

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Hospitals are now required to put a master price list online for all of their services. It’s a mandate from the 2010 Affordable Care Act that aims to get consumers more involved in their healthcare, but Louisiana Hospital Association President Paul Salles cautions if you have insurance, those prices won’t be your final bill.

Cut 3 (11) “…rules.”

Hospitals are allowed to put prices in context, such as providing the average out of pocket expense to a Medicare patient for a certain treatment.

So, if you are insured, the best way to find out what a treatment, surgery, or other service will cost, is to pick up your phone, and…

Cut 4 (08) “situation.″

The prices are also referred to as “charges”, or “standard charges”.

Unfortunately a brief survey of Louisiana hospitals indicated that many have either not posted those prices on their primary hospital website, have dead links to price charts, or have made them very difficult to access. So, if you’re interested in seeing what the real cost of that x-ray is, you may not have an easy time doing it…

Cut 5 (09) “…available.”

The price lists that are available come in excel spreadsheets.

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Gasoline prices continue to fall. According to Triple-A, the statewide average for a gallon of regular gasoline is a $1.95. That’s about 20-cents cheaper than a month ago. Triple-A fuel analyst Don Redman says the price at the pump should continue to fall as demand for gasoline is low in January compared to other months

Cut 6 (08) “…$1.90”

Redman says gas prices should remain below two-dollars until March, when refineries begin the switch to summer grade gasoline. He says until then, the supply of gasoline on the market is strong

Cut 7 (06) “…the country”

Low gas prices are a double edge sword for Louisiana. Low oil prices means less revenue for state government. Redman says the current cost for a barrel of crude oil is 50-dollars and he says if that keeps going down it can cause real problems

Cut 8 (10) “…mineral oil”

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The Louisiana Legislature is seeing a high turnover rate as the AP reports 22 state lawmakers, roughly 15%, have left office without completing their terms since January 2016.  Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says he believes the reason behind the exodus is that the Louisiana Legislature is not the glory place it used to be.

Cut 9 (10) “…with the Governor.″

The state has held ten legislative sessions in three years, including seven special sessions called by Governor John Bel Edwards.  Pinsonat says between the workload, the time away from jobs and families, and the lack of retirement and medical benefits, it’s just not as an attractive position as it once was.

Cut 10 (12) “…statewide elected official”

Pinsonat says he doesn’t foresee the trend being reversed, as there are many more attractive jobs in government worth pursuing, citing the public’s view of elected officials in the legislature.

Cut 11 (12) “…in politics”

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What are the best practices to maintain your new year’s resolutions?  Louisiana Department of Health has some tips.

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Kevin Barnhart.”

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Unanimous jury verdicts are now required in serious felony cases in Louisiana. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”  

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Governor John Bel Edwards says his top legislative priority is to give teachers a pay raise. Don Molino looks at whether the governor will be successful…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Don Molino”

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With the new year comes the tradition of making new year’s resolutions.  But many of the goals don’t necessarily withstand the test of time.  Assistant Secretary for the Office of Public Health at LHD, Alex Billioux says among the recommendations in order to complete goals, choose goals you can truly commit to out of desire.

Cut 4 (06) “…you should do.” 

Billioux recommends putting together a highly detailed plan of action to make sure that your goals fit into your daily routine.

Cut 5 (10) “…going to do it.”

Billioux recommends setting goals that might not be so big and overwhelming.

Cut 6 (08) “…can actually do.”

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All felony convictions require a unanimous jury decision, as the unanimous juries constitutional amendment that passed in November is now in effect. It’s the end of a Jim Crowe era law that made Louisiana one of only two states that did not require unanimous decisions in those cases, and Loyola University Law Professor Dane Ciolino says it’s a positive change.

Cut 7 (08) “…the process”

64-percent of voters approved the amendment.

Opponents are concerned unanimous verdicts will make it tougher for justice to be served to those who commit heinous crimes. Ciolino says those concerns are exaggerated, as DAs in other states do just fine…

Cut 8 (08) “…unanimous jury.”

Ciolino says the new law could mean a few more hung jury results, and will probably force DAs to reconsider pursing charges when the case is shaky.

Cut 9 (09) “…case.″

Oregon is now the only state that allows non-unanimous juries.

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A major story in 2019 will be the governor’s race. Democrat John Bel Edwards is up for re-election and there’s two announced Republican challengers, Ralph Abraham and Eddie Rispone. UL-Lafayette Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says it’s unclear who will be Edwards’ biggest challenge

Cut 10 (12)   “…election day.”

The gubernatorial primary is October 12th. Cross says the race will likely need the November 16th runoff and the winner that night will probably win by a slim margin

Cut 11 (10) “…for a Democrat.”

Cross says Edwards opponents will point to the state’s economy as a reason why a change is needed in the governor’s mansion

Cut 12 (07)   “…still down”

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Louisiana is seeing a wet start to the New Year.  A flash flood warning has been posted for Lake Charles, Alexandria, and Monroe as the state is expected to get pounded with rain.  National Weather Service Meteorologist Chris Nuttall says the downpour is expected to last until Thursday evening.

Cut 13 (08) “…to northeast Louisiana.”

Nuttall says several factors contribute to the recent pattern of rainier weather.

Cut 14 (08) “…a wetter winter.”

Some areas in North Louisiana could see 4-6 inches of rain.
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There will be no talk of a national championship at U-C-F. LSU ended the Knights 25-game winning streak with a 40-32 win in the Fiesta Bowl. Quarterback Joe Burrow bounced back from an early pick six to throw for 394 yards and four touchdowns

Cut 15 (10) “…keep working.”

LSU finishes the season 10-3. It’s first ten-win season since 2013. There were some who projected that the Tigers would only win seven games, but Coach Ed Orgeron says they never listened to the doubters…

Cut 16 (21)  our players”

LSU’s defense was great against one of the top offenses in college football. They held U-C-F to 250 total yards as the Tigers played without several starters and lost two more players during the game as a result of a targeting penalty and a punch to the helmet. Rashard Lawrence had two of the Tigers five sacks…

 cut 17 (19)    on pushing” 

LSU’s defense also forced two turnovers. Devin White forced a fumble in the first half that turned the momentum. The Springhill native was one of a few projected first round picks to play in a non-playoff bowl game…

Cut 18 (20)    new year” 

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After losing to the Carolina Panthers 33-14 in the regular season finale, the Saints say they will use the extra week before their January 13th playoff game to focus on fundamentals. New Orleans defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins says the mistakes they made against the Panthers are fixable

Cut 19 (15)   “…from there”

The Saints will play either Dallas, Seattle or Philadelphia in the NFC Divisional round. Rankins says having a week to focus on themselves will be good for the Black and Gold

Cut 20 (16) “…as well”

A recent Facebook post by the Harahan Police Department is encouraging anyone who has purchased meth in Louisiana to have it tested for the Zika virus.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

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Tomorrow it will be legal to have cameras installed in your loved one’s nursing home room to keep an eye on them. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”  

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The Harahan Police Department’s recent offer to screen methamphetamine for the Zika virus has captured the attention of social media and news outlets across the globe.  In a Facebook post, the department encouraged meth users to bring all of their drug to police for free testing.  Police Chief Tim Walker acknowledged the post was a stunt to bring attention to the issue of drug use.

Cut 3 (08) “…their free time.”

Chief Tim Walker says the social media post has already received over 500,000 views in the two days since it was posted.

Cut 4 (06) “…world its interesting.″

Walker admits there is no meth actually contaminated with the Zika virus.  But has anyone been gullible enough to take him up on the offer of testing meth?

Cut 5 (06) “…would surprise me.”

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Only one person in Louisiana was sentenced to death this year, David Brown of Lafourche Parish, who was convinced of sexually assaulting, then murdering a mother and her two daughters, and setting their house on fire in 2012. Death Penalty Information Center Executive Director Robert Dunham says that follows a nationwide trend of an 85 percent decline in death sentences.

Cut 6 (08) “…the country”

Louisiana did not sentence anyone to death in 2017 and 2016.

Durham attributes the decline in support for the death penalty, even in Bayou State, to public awareness of the extensive legal costs, the difficulty of finding chemicals for lethal injection, and the 11 exonerations for death row inmates in Louisiana since 1900.

Cut 7 (06) “…the country”

20 states have outlawed the practice, and 10 others have no performed an execution in over a decade.

Durham notes that more than half of all death sentences come from 2 percent of counties, or parishes, in the US. He says there’s two parishes in Louisiana that stand out when it comes to the number of death penalties issued.

Cut 8 (08) “…in Louisiana”

Louisiana has not performed an execution since 2010.

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A new year begins tomorrow, which means new laws will go into effect, including one that allows you to set up a camera to monitor your elderly loved ones in their nursing home room. River Ridge Representative Kirk Talbot says the families must pay for the device and installation, cannot use the facility’s Wi-Fi, and…

Cut 9 (06) “…roommate″

The law was brought by former New Orleans Representative Helena Moreno during the regular session last year.

Since you can’t use the facility’s Wi-Fi, you’ll have to purchase a data plan from a cellular provider that will support the device. Talbot says it’s for a good reason.

Cut 10 (11) “…of communication”

Talbot says he’s checked out the cost for those data plans, and they appear to be affordable.

The legislation was inspired by a case of suspected abuse of an elderly person by nursing home workers, and Talbot says he’s gotten a lot of positive feedback about the opportunity now available to families. As for the nursing homes…

Cut 11 (11) “…matter what.”

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It was another interesting year in state politics. Matt Doyle looks back at 2018…

Cut 1 (53) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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The Fire Marshal’s Office has some advice for New Year’s Eve amateur pyro technicians…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”  

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The Alllstate Sugar Bowl Fan Fest in New Orleans will once again be part of “Dick Clark’s Rockin’ New Year’s Eve” on ABC as the nation ushers in 2019.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 3 (32) “I’m Kevin Barnhart.”

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Today is the final day of 2018, so let’s take a look at the biggest stories of the year in Louisiana. The first half of the year was all budget talk as the state began January facing another massive budget shortfall. It took three special sessions, but Governor John Bel Edwards was pleased with the final budget deal…

Cut 4 (06) “      compromise is” 

The sales tax plan approved in June fully funded the TOPS scholarship program, public colleges, and health care. But many Republicans were not happy about a state sales tax rate of 4.45 percent. Slidell Senator Sharon Hewitt says it’s needed to pay for the governor’s bloated Medicaid expansion program

Cut 5 (11) “…important priorities.”

There was one piece of legislation lawmakers and the public overwhelmingly supported and that was a constitutional amendment that said in order to convict a person of a serious felony crime, the jury’s verdict had to be unanimous. New Orleans Senator JP Morrell argued the standard of needing only 10 of 12 jurors to secure a conviction is not what our founders envisioned…

Cut 6 (08) “unanimous juries”

In May, Secretary of State Tom Schedler resigned amid sexual harassment allegations. His former secretary, Dawn Ross, spoke with LRN, and said she was the victim of sexually suggestive charged emails, gifts and advances since 2007. Ross says Schedler also stalked her and bought a town home in her complex…

Cut 7 (15) “…back there.”

A big story from 2016 continued into 2018, when Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry announced the state would not pursue criminal charges against two white Baton Rouge Police officers who were involved in the fatal shooting of Alton Sterling, who was black. Sterling’s relatives are still seeking justice against officers Howie Lake and Blane Salamoni…

Cut 8 (05) “…a killer.”

Louisiana lost a couple of legendary figures in 2018. LSU’s only Heisman trophy winner Billy Cannon passed away in May at the age of 80. And Saints and Pelicans owner Tom Benson died in March. He was 90. Benson’s wife, Gayle, has taken over the two professional sports franchises and plans to keep the teams in new Orleans…

Cut 9 (10) “…big family.″

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The state fire marshal’s office wants everyone to have a fun New Year, but make sure you buy, and set off fireworks in a legal, and safe way. For starters, before you slap down the cash for a bag of explosives, state fire marshal spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says make sure the retailer is licensed to sell fireworks,,,

Cut 10 (06)   “from us.”

Also, make sure it’s legal to buy fireworks in that area.

When you get home, before you set off those devices, have a bucket of water nearby to dose expended explosives, and set them up to only fire one at a time. Before lighting up…

Cut 11 (09) “…alcohol.”

Adults should always supervise children when fireworks are in play, and not allow kids to ignite, or hold the devices.

And just in case you’re wondering, leave the gun, take the candle instead.

Cut 12 (07)   “…entertain people”

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New Orleans will be part of “Dick Clark’s Rockin’ New Year’s Eve” being broadcast on ABC tonight.  Tonight will feature performances by country artists Maren Morris and Grammy-nominated Florida Georgia Line as part of the live telecast.  Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser says it’s great exposure for the Big Easy.

Cut 13 (08) “…vacation next year.”

In 2018, Florida Georgia Line broke every record from the Billboard Hot Country Songs charts when they spent 50 weeks at the top spot with the song “Meant to Be,”  Nungesser says after the clock strikes midnight in the eastern time zone, it’s all focused on the performances in New Orleans.

Cut 14 (07) “…to New Orleans.”

With the value that comes with the publicity, Nungesser says the state could never afford to pay for the level of coverage they will receive on national TV tonight.

Cut 15 (11) “…watched the Grammys.”

For those interested in attending the Allstate Fan Fest, it’s free and gates for all the activities open at noon at the Jax Brewery parking lot.
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With no Drew Brees, the Saints stumbled in the regular season finale, falling to the Carolina Panthers 33-14. The loss doesn’t hurt the Black and Gold as they already have the number one seed in the NFC. But Coach Sean Payton didn’t like what he saw on Sunday

Cut 16 (12)  ready to play”

Carolina led 23-0 at halftime. First time in the Payton era, the Saints were shutout in the first half at home. Undrafted rookie quarterback Kyle Allen threw for 228 yards and two touchdowns, before leaving in the fourth quarter with an injury. Payton was disappointed with his defense…

 cut 17 (09)    disappointing” 

In the fourth quarter wide receiver Michael Thomas caught a six-yard pass to break Joe Horn’s single-season franchise record for receiving yards. Payton says it was nice to see, but it’s overshadowed by the loss…

Cut 18 (15)    winning though” 

Unemployment is down from last year, and state Economic Development Secretary Don Pierson credits more foreign investment and tech jobs…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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A new world record was set in Shreveport for the largest gumbo ever cooked, all in celebration of the Walk-On’s Independence Bowl.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”  

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The Economic Development Department says 2018 was a strong year for new business taking root in the state and the agency celebrates a year-to-year drop in unemployment rate. The year was headlined by major announcements from foreign firms, and Secretary Don Pierson says capital is flowing in from around the world.

Cut 3 (09) “…dollars.”

The highlight of 2017 was DXC Technology’s announcement of 2,000 high paying tech jobs in New Orleans. Pierson says 2018 was another year of substantial gains in the tech and software sectors.

Cut 4 (12) “…grow″

But, the state’s median household income still lags 14,000 dollars a year behind the national average. Pierson says they will keep emphasizing growth in high skill sectors that provide higher wages and make sure workers get the necessary training.

Cut 5 (11) “…they need.”

More information on workforce training programs, visit laworks.net.

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Parts of the state are recovering from a nasty night of weather as several inches of rain piled up. Those rains have authorities in St. Tammany Parish keeping an eye on a few rivers in the Covington area, which could affect residents in low lying areas. St. Tammany Emergency Management Director Dexter Accardo.

Cut 6 (12) “…and all”

Accardo says because the storm hit late at night, it was tough to get an idea of exactly how much flooding they had. Then, when folks woke up, the reports started rolling in.

Cut 7 (07) “…the street”

Accardo says they’re watching the river stage for three rivers. He says they are expected to crest in different areas between this afternoon and Sunday morning. He says of particular concern are the Tchefuncte and Bogue Falaya Rivers.

Cut 8 (09) “…area”

St. Tammany officials have asked residents in low-lying areas near the Tchefuncte River to consider a voluntary evacuation.

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LSU sophomore running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire is with the Tigers in Arizona one week after he and walk-on linebacker Jared Small were involved in a fatal shooting in Baton Rouge. Authorities have ruled the shooting justified and Coach Ed Orgeron gave his comments on the situation

Cut 9 (11) “…totally.″

Defensive back Kary Vincent Junior is also with the team, despite the death of his father, Kary Vincent Senior, who died at the age of 49 after a months-long battle with pneumonia. Orgeron says the team is getting through these tough times, because of good character…

Cut 10 (11) “…very well”

LSU is missing several players on defense. Greedy Williams and Ed Alexander are skipping the bowl game to get ready for the NFL draft. Defensive lineman Breiden Fehoko is injured and cornerback Kelvin Joseph is suspended. So the Tigers might have to rely heavily on their offense to beat U-C-F. Orgeron says they put in a few new wrinkles on offense

Cut 11 (11) “…run game.”

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Santa’s sleigh wasn’t the only thing weaving around Louisiana over Christmas weekend as State Police made dozens of DWI arrests.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Kevin Barnhart.”

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State Police arrest a Texas man after a motorist on the I-10 Atchafalaya Basin Bridge allegedly saw the suspect performing lewd acts on himself, with kids in the car. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”  

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Southeast Louisiana remains under a tornado watch until 6 PM tonight as a strong line of thunderstorms associated with a cold front continues to push through the state. State Climatologist Barry Keim says the squall line is also producing heavy rainfall

Cut 3 (12) “…more rainfall.”

Keim says the front has produced strong winds, which resulted resulted in scattered power outages…

Cut 4 (12) “…down trees″

Southeast Louisiana is under a flash flood watch until 6 AM tomorrow. Keim says there’s potential for two to four inches of rain today…

Cut 5 (12) “…right now.”

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One of the two men being sought for a December 16^th double murder near Lacassine has turned himself in. 21-year-old Jordan Legros is suspected to have participated in the robbery that left Walter and Darlene Gotreaux dead in their home. Jefferson Davis Chief Deputy Chris Ivey says Legros presented himself unannounced to authorities.

Cut 6 (08) “…courthouse.”

Walter was the former president of the Lake Charles Cajun French Music Association.

Authorities say 23-year-old Javari Guidry, who allegedly also played a part in the murder/robbery is still in hiding, and Ivey says they’ve got photos up and are asking for anyone with information about his whereabouts to come forward.

Cut 7 (09) “…and dangerous.”

The search currently involves agencies in both Louisiana and Texas.

Ivey says the Gotreauxs were well known in the small community, and were likely targeted because of their property rental business. He says everyone’s hoping for a quick end to the troubling incident.

Cut 8 (10) “…this happen.”

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The effort of law enforcement to focus on highway safety by curbing fatalities caused by impaired drivers has seen many arrests in central and northern Louisiana.  State Police spokesperson Trooper Glenn Younger says in the three troop areas for Bossier City, Monroe, and Alexandria have netted 97 DWI arrests over the Christmas weekend.

Cut 9 (08) “…total of 97.″

Younger says the goal is to have zero DWI fatalities, so anything that can be done to get closer to that goal is a good thing.

Cut 10 (09) “…on our roadways.”

Louisiana saw a total of 759 traffic fatalities from January 1 until December 27 in 2017.  Younger says that number is at 655 for the same stretch of time in 2018.

Cut 11 (09) “…on our way.”

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A Texas motorist traveling on the I-10 Atchafalaya Basin Bridge was arrested yesterday for allegedly performing lewd acts on himself with his two young girls in the car. State Police Sergeant Jared Sandifer says the suspect was stopped by the L-S-P after a dispatcher was informed by another driver with a sharp eye.

Cut 12 (12)   “…traffic stop” 

47-year-old James Toomey of Spring, Texas, has been charged with two counts of Indecent Behavior and Contributing to the Delinquency of Juveniles.

It’s not currently known whether or not Toomey is a registered sex offender, but Sandifer says once the stop was made, the kids were separated from their father, and child welfare specialists were called to take over custody.

Cut 13 (11) “…had four victims.”

Sandifer says if you’re on the highway and see something like this, don’t intervene yourself, but do take notice of as many details as you can, and call star-L-S-P.

Cut 14 (09) “…it is.”

A new study shows the risk for a heart attack rises nearly 40 percent on Christmas Eve.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

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A Bossier City Policeman has been arrested and charged with 40 counts in relation to animal pornography discovered by State Police. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”  

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A Bossier City patrol cop has been arrested and charged with over three dozen animal sexual abuse related charges. The State Police Special Victims Unit busted 38-year-old Terry Yetman with possession of animal pornography. LSP spokesperson Glen Younger says it’s a horrific crime.

Cut 3 (07) “…applause.”

Sexual Abuse of an Animal was a charge that became available to law enforcement May 25th after Governor Edwards signed a stricter bestiality law into effect. The bill received national attention after it was opposed by religious groups for its relation to sodomy laws.

Bossier Police say Yetman was placed on paid administrative leave in November when they were informed by State Police of the investigation. Younger says once enough evidence was collected, Yetman voluntarily surrendered.

Cut 4 (05) “…good too.″

Yetman was honored in October for his work against domestic violence. The LSP investigation began in August.

Younger says police continue to look into the alleged misdeeds.

Cut 5 (12) “…after football”

Yetman has been employed by the department since 2014.

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A new study out of Sweden finds the risk of having a heart attack rises nearly 40 percent on Christmas Eve.  Cardiologist Dr. Frank Smart at LSU Health New Orleans says the research shows cold weather which causes arteries to spasm, coupled with emotions and other influences can produce a cardiovascular impact.

Cut 6 (09) “…or see family.”

The study observed the timing of 283,000 heart attacks over 15 years.  Smart says the research indicates that the peak timing of heart attacks on Christmas Eve is around 10 pm, but says it usually isn’t caused by overeating for a few days.

Cut 7 (05) “…or two days.”

Smart recommends that if someone suspects they are having a heart attack, the earlier they get to the hospital, the better, but they should not drive themselves to the hospital.

Cut 8 (08) “…waiting for you.”

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The Senate voted to continue funding the government and extend flood insurance coverage through February 8^th, without the inclusion of additional border wall funding sought by the President. Senator John Kennedy says he expects the House will pass the same resolution, but says that doesn’t mean it’’ll be signed by President Trump.

Cut 9 (09) “…with it″

Kennedy says it’s been a frustrating process just making sure the Flood Insurance Program doesn’t lapse, let alone finding a long term solution, but the Louisiana delegation did ensure an extension made it into the legislation.

Cut 10 (09) “…8th.”

Democrats have refused to pass any bill that includes the five billion dollars for the Mexican border wall that’s being sought by the White House. Kennedy says he wishes they could’ve got that money in the final bill, but Democratic politics have prevented that.

Cut 11 (10) “…the issue”

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Governor John Bel Edwards says 2018 was a successful year for Louisiana as the state continues to move in the right direction. Edwards says stabilizing the budget was his top accomplishment. He says the budget deal fully funded higher education, without raising taxes…

Cut 12 (08)   “…600-million dollars.” 

In 2018, Louisiana also shed its title as having the largest incarceration rate in the world. Edwards that’s the result of criminal justice reform legislation approved in 2017 and it saved the state 12-million dollars in its first full year in effect

Cut 13 (12) “…victims of crime.”

Edwards was also proud to announce the state set a record in 2018 for the number of adoptions from their foster care system, with 912 children being adopted by over 600 families

Cut 14 (11) “…548 families.”