The College Football Playoff selection committee ranks Ohio State over LSU. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

__________________________________

Roads are packed with travelers over the four-day weekend and law enforcement are stepping up patrols to help keep things safe. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

cut  2 (30) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”    

__________________________________________

The college football playoff selection committee has dropped LSU to number two and moved Ohio State to number one in the latest rankings. The Buckeyes just beat a top ten team in Penn State. Tiger Rag Assistant Editor Tyler Nunez says O-S-U has the same number of quality wins as LSU…

Cut 3 (12) “…that direction.”

LSU closes out the regular season by hosting Texas A-and-M, while O-S-U is at Michigan. Tiger Rag Editor Ron Higgins says the drop in the ranking should provide the Tigers with some extra motivation

Cut 4 (10) “…the message.”

The C-F-P committee will announce the four playoff teams December 8th. If the rankings do not change, LSU would play Clemson in a semifinal contest. Nunez says Clemson is undefeated, but do not have a win against a Top 25 team…

Cut 5 (10) “…LSU team.”

_______________________

Law enforcement agencies are stepping up patrols over Thanksgiving weekend in an effort from keeping the holiday from turning into a tragedy.  Louisiana Highway Safety Commission executive director Lisa Freeman says in 2018’s four-day Thanksgiving weekend, four people died in alcohol-related crashes.

Cut 6 (12) “…were seriously injured.”

Last year, in total ten people were killed and over 700 injured on Louisiana roads.

Freeman stresses the importance of reducing distractions as driving alone is enough multitasking behind the wheel.

Cut 7 (11) “…on the road.”

Freeman says the most important action people can take to protect themselves is buckling their seatbelts.

Cut 8 (07) “…of the year.”

Nationally, 291 people died in Thanksgiving weekend traffic crashes and about half of those were not wearing seat belts.

_________________________________

A Boy Scout leader, 49-year-old Randy Miller Jr. is charged with 500 counts of possession of child pornography according to Livingston parish authorities.  Legal analyst Franz Borghardt says the judge likely stacked all those counts to set an unprecedented $50 million bond.

Cut 9 (13) “…just one bond.”

Borghardt says Miller’s troubles likely will not end at the state level.

Cut 10 (09) “…at federal charges.”

Borghardt says the judge likely set the bond at such a level to send a message that Miller will not be out for the holidays.

Cut 11 (09) “…out of somebody.”

______________________

With school out for Thanksgiving, Bossier Parish’s Sherriff Deputy School Resource Officer Dusty Crenshaw took to patrolling the streets instead of the halls this week. On Monday Crenshaw answered a call that a dog was running loose along Interstate 20. On his first drive of the area, he didn’t see the dog but he made a second pass and located the white and tan dog that was dragging a chain.

Cut 12 (11) “…to me” 

In the last year Crenshaw lost two of his own dogs and he knows the importance of reuniting the roaming pup with its rightful owner.

Cut 13 (09) “…my Tahoe.”

Crenshaw took the dog to a nearby vet to see if the dog was chipped but it wasn’t. He then dropped her off at Bossier City Animal Control so her rightful owner would have three days to claim her. Since he located the dog, he’s already been back to visit her and Crenshaw asked the shelter to call him first if no one claims the dog.

Cut 14 (10) “…pick her up”

Bossier City Animal Control takes in an average of 40 to 50 dogs per month. They want to encourage you if you are thinking about getting a pet this holiday season to adopt before you shop.

The state has not seen a spike at the gas pump ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday.  Kevin Barnhart tells us why.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”

__________________________________

It was three years ago today, Ed Orgeron was named as head coach of the LSU Tigers. Jeff Palermo reports the hiring looks to be former athletic director Joe Alleva’s best move…

cut  2 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”    

__________________________________________

Motorists can expect to fill their tanks in Louisiana for a few pennies cheaper per gallon compared to last year’s Thanksgiving weekend.  AAA fuel analyst Don Redman says we’ve seen the statewide average for gas prices remain steady for the last few weeks, holding around $2.22 a gallon.

Cut 3 (10) “…continue to drop.”

Redman says gas inventories are starting to build, mitigating a holiday spike.

Cut 4 (08) “…the prices upward.”

Redman expects more price drops on the horizon, but it won’t be in time to be beneficial to the estimated 12 million motorists of the Gulf States region for the holiday weekend.

Cut 5 (10) “…of people traveling.”

_______________________

It was three years ago today, LSU hired Ed Orgeron as its head football coach. Who would have thought three years later, LSU would be ranked number one? Football analyst Mike Detillier says Coach O did

Cut 6 (12) “ national championship.”

There were many who were skeptical of the Orgeron hiring. But Detillier says Coach O knew that if they opened up the offense and got a great quarterback it could happen. He says bringing Joe Burrow on was critical

Cut 7 (06) “…players do.”

Detillier says Burrow’s record-breaking season will attract other great quarterbacks and skill position players to LSU, which should help the program remain as one of the best in the country

Cut 8 (11) “  to LSU and play”

_________________________________

Toy shopping is top of mind for many ahead of the holiday.  Known as the Toy Guy, Chris Byrne says there is a shift in the way parents are buying toys as to not overwhelm them with too many toys.

Cut 9 (12) “…again and again.”

Byrne says while the best time to buy is when you see the toy you need so you don’t have to stress about finding the item later, a later shopping season could be to the advantage of a more frugal shopper…

Cut 10 (09) “…incentive to purchase.”

Byrne says toys such as Legos and dolls will always do great and adds any toy to gain a laugh is always a solid find.

Cut 11 (13) “…burst out laughing.”

______________________

Officials say ticket sales for Saturday’s Bayou Classic between Southern and Grambling State are ahead of where they were last year and they expect a sell-out when the two schools take the field Saturday afternoon in the Superdome. Grambling President Rick Gallot says demand for tickets is high

Cut 12 (08) “…600 level” 

Bayou Classic organizers also expect the Battle of the Bands show on Friday night will also sell out. Grambling coach Broderick Fobbs says he’s been attending the Bayou Classic since he was a kid and this game means a lot to him…

Cut 13 (10) “…possibly are.”

The winner of Saturday’s game will head to the SWAC Championship game for a chance to play in the Celebration Bowl. Southern beat Grambling last year and Southern University President Ray Belton says the Jaguars plan on winning again this year…

Cut 14 (09) “…here to stay”

The Bayou Classic is expected to draw over 200,000 visitors and produce an economic impact of 50-million dollars.

The Louisiana Public Health Institute releases a survey that finds 80-percent of parents believe schools should be required to offer sex education. Brooke Thorington has more…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Brooke Thorington”

________________________________________

The National Retail Federation expects over 165 million consumers to get shopping done over the holiday weekend.  Michael Farrar has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Michael Farrar.” 

__________________________________________________

After pushing the N-F-L to use video to review pass inteference calls, Saints Coach Sean Payton believes three people, not one should be in on the decision when instant replay is used to judge pass interference. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (28) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

____________________________________________

There’s been long debate in Louisiana on whether schools should be required to offer sex education. A survey released by the Louisiana Public Health Institute finds 80-percent of parents believe it should be a requirement. L-P-H-I managing director Kristie Bardell says sex-ed could lead to healthier lives…

Cut 4 (11) “…contraceptive use.”

Bardell says school-based sex education provides young people with facts on topics they will likely encounter and reinforces the conversations families may already be having at home…

Cut 5 (07) “…human development.”

So far Louisiana’s legislature has not been willing to pass legislation requiring sex ed in public schools. Bardell says they plan to present this survey to legislators next spring when lawmakers convene for a regular session…

Cut 6 (09) “…sex education.”

_________________________________________

The National Retail Federation expects over 35 million consumers to shop online and in-stores on turkey day, up about 3.5 million more than last year.  NRF spokesperson Katherine Cullen says overall of the course of the weekend, more than 165 million will be looking to get some holiday shopping done.

Cut 7 (09) “…on turning out..”

Cullen says younger consumers are more likely to use the weekend to shop compared to older generations.  Almost 90% of those under 25 say they plan to shop, adding there is more to it than just enticing bargains.

Cut 8 (08) “…together with others.”

Cullen says the preference for online shopping and brick and mortar stores is split, but just slightly more than half are setting foot in a store first.

Cut 9 (08) “…something with family..”

_____________________

The Louisiana Good Roads and Transportation Association is calling on Governor John Bel Edwards to initiate the discussion with the new legislative leadership on increasing infrastructure funding.  President of Louisiana Good Roads Ken Perrett says it is vital to come up with a plan that everyone can support.

Cut 10 (08) “…to work together.”

The non-profit organization is dedicated to promoting the planning, design, construction, and maintenance of the transportation system.  Perret recommends adjusting the gas tax, which he says hasn’t been adjusted in over 30 years.

Cut 11 (13) “…highway trust fund.”

Perret says the state should try to use existing revenues if they can as no one likes seeing tax increases.

Cut  12 (11) “…and everything else.” 

__________________________

Top-ranked LSU is spending this Thanksgiving week getting ready for Texas A-and-M. A game the Tigers have been waiting for, ever since they lost to the Aggies in seven overtimes last year. Coach Ed Orgeron doesn’t want his team thinking about what happened last year

Cut 13 (12) “..this team.”

LSU lost that game last year in College Station. Orgeron says playing the contest this year in front of Purple and Gold nation should help

Cut 14 (13) “…no looking back” 

___________________________________________

The Ragin Cajuns go after their 10th win of the season on Saturday when they host U-L-M to close out the regular season. Coach Billy Napier on the importance of beating their in-state rivals..

Cut 15 (19) “..this point”

If the Cajuns win Saturday and Appalachian State loses to Troy, then U-L Lafayette will host the Sun Belt Championship game next week. But Napier will not spend much time scoreboard watching on Saturday night…

Cut 16  (19)  …that part”  

The FCC is holding a public auction for airwaves to be used in 5G wireless technology that should result in improved access to broadband internet in rural communities.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”

__________________________________

Mississippi residents no longer have to travel into Louisiana to play lottery scratch off games. Jeff Palermo has the story…

cut  2 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”    

__________________________________________

Senator John Kennedy files the “Clearing Broad Airwaves for New Deployment, or C-Band, Act” in an effort to secure $10 billion for rural broadband infrastructure.  Kennedy says there are many people that do not have reliable internet in less populated areas.

Cut 3 (10)   “don’t have broadband.” 

Kennedy expects internet service providers to shell out between $40 and 50 billion in public auctions to get their piece of the airwaves in an effort to implement 5G technology.

Cut 4 (10) “…the best price.”

Kennedy says 5G is faster and can handle more traffic. Kennedy adds it will improve lives.

Cut 5 (11) “…have the surgery.” 

_______________________

Louisiana State Parks end the 3-night minimum stay for weekday stays at campgrounds and cabins. The change starts December 9^th. State Parks Director Brandon Burris says they’ve heard the feedback from visitors to waive the minimum weeknight stay requirement that has been in place the last few years.

Cut 6 (10) “the weekdays only.”

Burris expects an uptick in reservations, adding that in some of the less-populated areas the park is the only available overnight accommodations.

Cut 7 (06) “…local economy there.”

Burris says the repeal sends an encouraging message to those that want to explore sportsman’s paradise.

Cut 8 (07) “   …open for business”

For more info on booking a stay, head to L A State Parks dot com.

_________________________________

For the first time ever, Mississippi residents do not have head to Louisiana to buy scratch-off lottery tickets. About 12-hundred convenience stores in the Magnolia State began selling them today. Louisiana Lottery spokesperson Kim Chopin says hopefully this will not result in lower revenues for the Bayou State

Cut 9 (08) “…monitor″

Chopin says Texas and Arkansas have popular lottery games, but residents in those states also play in Louisiana…

Cut 10 (09) “some time”

Chopin says Louisiana Lottery is coming off its most successful fiscal year ever in its 28-year history, as they transferred more than 184-million dollars to the state treasury for K-through-12 public education. She credits their creative scratch-off games

Cut 11 (07) “…Mardi Gras themed game”

Mississippi lottery retailers will begin selling Mega Millions and Powerball tickets on January 30th.

______________________

The Transportation Security Administration expects nearly 27-million people will fly from November 22nd to December 2nd. So the T-S-A is getting the word out, make sure you don’t pack anything in your carry-on bag that could be used as a weapon. Spokesperson Sari Koshetz

Cut 12 (12) “…to jail” 

Many people go on hunting trips during Thanksgiving week. Koshetz says if you have a gun in your carry-on bag at the security check-point, you could get arrested…

Cut 13 (11) “…gun was.”

Koshetz says this year T-S-A agents have confiscated at least 72 guns at security checkpoints at Louisiana airports. She says you can travel with a gun, but it must go in your checked luggage…

Cut 14 (06) “…check in”

The feds OK some reduced royalty and royalty-free oil and gas drilling in shallow Gulf waters. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

________________________________________

Louisiana residents can expect to pay $47.54 for a Thanksgiving dinner that caters to a party of ten. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

__________________________________________________

The Click it or Ticket campaign kicks off today for Thanksgiving week. Connor Ferrill has the story.

Cut 3 (28) “…I’m Connor Ferrill”

____________________________________________

The Trump Administration will begin allowing new shallow water Gulf of Mexico oil and gas rigs to operate at reduced royalty, or royalty-free rates to incentivize new activity.

Rig activity is expected to increase over the next year, but Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement Director Scott Angelle says that’s only in deep water areas.

Cut 4 (10) “…first place.”

The number of shallow water drills has dropped 89 percent in the last decade.

Angelle says lowering or eliminating the royalties in shallow water zones will allow companies to tap into a significant amount of untapped oil and gas.

Cut 5 (07) “…water.”

Shallow water leases currently have a 12.5 percent royalty rate.

Angelle says revitalizing shallow water drilling would reinvigorate coastal communities like Morgan City, Houma, New Iberia, Terrebonne, and Lafourche.

Cut 6 (12) “…investment.”

Opponents argue the move is just a giveaway to oil companies.

_________________________________________

The American Farm Bureau finds that Louisiana residents can expect to pay $47.54 for a Thanksgiving dinner that caters to a party of ten. That’s $1.37 less than the national average price of $48.91. Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation spokesperson Avery Davidson says a 16-pound turkey is about $2 less than the national average.

Cut 7 (06) “…whole lot more.”

Davidson says for three pounds of sweet potatoes, Louisiana residents can expect to spend about $1.43 compared to just over $3 around the rest of the country.

Cut 8 (10) “…directly from them.”

The classic dinner consists of eleven items. For many of the sides, Louisiana residents may be paying slightly higher than the national average. Davidson says when it comes to dessert, the Bayou State is in line with the rest of the nation.

Cut 9 (11) “…you about $2.17.”

The farmer’s share of Thanksgiving food spending is about eight cents on the dollar, meaning farmers will see only $3.80 for each meal.

_____________________

Beginning January 14^th Windows will no longer offer patches and updates for their Windows 7 operating system.

Tech Gumbo host Hagai Davis says nearly a third of all computers in circulation still run Windows 7, and a lot of those folks are in serious danger of being hit by malware that’s sat dormant on their computer.

Cut 10 (11) “…explode”

Davis says when Windows discontinued XP in 2013, users saw a massive spike in malware attacks the day after it dropped support.

It’s not that your Windows 7 computer won’t work starting January 15^th, but Davis says it will leave you particularly vulnerable to attack, and even expose other, updated computers on your network…

Cut 11 (09) “…network”

Windows also announced it will no longer support Windows 2008 server platforms as of January 14^th either.

Good news for Windows users is that the company offers a free upgrade to Windows 10 for Windows 7 and 8 users. Davis says it’s something that can be taken care of pretty quickly.

Cut  12 (04) “…computer” 

Davis adds Windows 10 may not run well on older computers, so if your system is four years old or older, it’s time to look at getting an upgrade.

__________________________

With Thanksgiving on the way, drivers need to be aware of the Click or Ticket campaign that will run this week. State Police Lt. Nick Manale says state troopers and local law enforcement will be on the lookout to see if drivers are buckled up…

Cut 13 (11) “…properly restrained.”

The increased surveillance may lead to more tickets given out but Manale says a ticket is better than a tragedy…

Cut 14 (09) “…time of year.” 

Louisiana’s front seat belt use rate for 2018 is 86.9 percent but Manele says everyone in the car needs to be safe…

Cut 15 (11) “…restrained.”
_____________________________________

LSU is SEC West champions for the first time since 2011, but there was not a big celebration after the Tigers clinched with a 56-20 victory over Arkansas. Coach Ed Orgeron says the team strives to accomplish bigger goals…

Cut 16  (12)  …we are done”  

Quarterback Joe Burrow had another solid day on Saturday as he threw for 327 yards and three touchdowns. But Clyde Edwards-Helaire was the story in this contest with 188 yards rushing and three touchdowns. His final carry was for 89 yards and he was only in the game so he could pick up a couple of yards to get over 100 yards

Cut 17  (18)  for everybody” 

The Tigers can complete an undefeated regular season on Saturday with a win over Texas A-and-M. Edwards-Helaire says LSU is seeking redemption from last year’s seven overtime loss to the Aggies..

cut 18  (20)  worse than that” 

______________________________________

The Saints raced out to a 14-0 lead but needed a 33-yard game-winning field goal by Will Lutz as time expired to beat the Panthers 34-31 at the Superdome on Sunday. Lutz connected on his field goal a couple of minutes after Carolina missed a field goal to give them their first lead. Drew Brees marched the team 65 yards for the winning score…

cut 19 (21)   team effort”    

Brees threw for 311 yards and three touchdowns. He was also intercepted once, which led to Carolina tying the game. The Saints also committed 12 penalties. Coach Sean Payton says it wasn’t there best game and they need to cut down on the penalties…

cut 20 (18) “ bigger games”    

Governor John Bel Edwards says he has begun reaching out to lawmakers as he looks forward to his second term. Edwards clashed several times with House Republican leadership in his first term and he wants to avoid a similar scenario in his second term…
cut 4 (08) “…Senate as well”
Edwards says he’ll also continue to push legislation to increase the minimum wage and bills that call for equal pay for men and women who do similar work at a business.

Louisiana’s Deputy Chief Information Officer, Neal Underwood, told state lawmakers at a budget meeting today that the goal is still for the Office of Moter Vehicles to re-open on Monday …
Cut 11 (10) “…Monday″
The state was hit with a cyberattack on Monday which impacted 10-percent of the state’s government servers. The investigation continues into who orchestrated the attack.

Have you seen the V-H-I reality show called the Cartel Crew. Well, Louisiana Senator John Kennedy wants it cancelled because he says the show glorifies a brutal, deadly lifestyle that creates countless victims. He says it’s the most irresponsible thing he’s seen on TV…
cut 8 (07) “….over the line”
Kennedy has written a letter to V-H-1 president Chris McCarthy.

Former LSU band members have formed an alumni group known as the Four Notes Club, aimed at supporting the university’s marching band. Executive Board President Timothy Rodrigue says the Tiger band has never had a philanthropic organization dedicated to raising funds specifically for the band.
Cut 12 (09) “…place for LSU.”
More details can be found at TheFourNotesClub.com.

Office of Motor Vehicle locations will remain closed until Monday as the state continues to get its computers working properly from a cybersecurity attack. Brooke Thorington has the story…

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington”

__________________________________

Louisiana Tech releases renderings and plans for new baseball, softball and soccer stadiums. Jeff Palermo has the story…

cut  2 (29) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”    

__________________________________________

The cyberattack on state computer servers will keep Louisiana O-M-V offices closed for the rest of the week. Governor John Bel Edwards announced today the Office of Motor Vehicles will reopen on Monday

Cut 3 (11)   “Motor Vehicles” 

The ransomware attack on Monday impacted 132 servers in state government and the Office of Motor Vehicles has struggled to get its computer system to work properly.

Cut 4 (12) “…more computers”

Over the summer, several public school systems suffered a similar cyberattack and Edwards says more of them are coming, so the state will need to be prepared…

Cut 5 (12) “…of attacks” 

_______________________

Crowley Police now have a person of interest in a string of church vandalism incidents after another church was targeted this week, the sixth such incident since July.

Chief Jimmy Broussard says the incidents have all had roughly the same M.O., a vandal, or vandals tosses a brick or concrete through the glass of a church in a majority-black neighborhood.

Cut 6 (09) “building”

Broussard says they’re not sure exactly what is motivating these attacks, and they’re keeping all options open, but…

Cut 7 (07) “…crime.”

The chief says the feds have been contacted and information has been passed to them, so if you’re behind the vandalism, it’s best to turn yourself in now before federal agents charge you.

Cut 8 (05) “   …statutes”

_________________________________

St. John Parish Sheriffs are offering 3,500 dollars for information leading to an arrest of anyone involved in an August shooting ambush of an autistic man in Reserve.

Sheriff Mike Tregre believes a vehicle drove up behind 57-year-old Aurelius Burfict August 12^th around 1 AM, and suspects within opened fire on the man.

Cut 9 (10) “…did it.″

While Tregre says they know who’s behind the shooting, they can’t make an arrest because they don’t have enough evidence yet.

Cut 10 (09) “happened.”

Burfict survived the shooting, but Tregre says it’s important to get whoever did it off the streets if they’re capable of such a violent act.

Cut 11 (11) “…help”

______________________

La Tech has unveiled plans for new baseball, softball and soccer stadiums. They were destroyed last April by a tornado. Athletics Director Tommy McClelland says the new baseball stadium will remain in the same place, while softball and soccer will relocate next to the track stadium. Construction will take several months

Cut 12 (12) “…as possible.” 

FEMA reimbursement, insurance, state dollars and private donors will pay for the new facilities. But McClelland is not releasing the expected price tag…

Cut 13 (12) “…state’s permission”

The new softball stadium will hold one-thousand fans, soccer 750 and the new baseball stadium will have a capacity of 25-hundred. McClelland says there will be chair-back seats with berm seating at the new Love Shack, some of the seating will be partially covered and once fans enter the concourse they never have to leave

Cut 14 (12) “…of the field.”

The state added 3,600 seasonally adjusted non-farm jobs over the year, pulling the employment rate down about half a percent over that period. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

__________________________________

Former LSU frat member Matthew Naquin now knows his fate for his role in the 2017 hazing death of Max Gruver. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

cut  2 (29) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”    

__________________________________________

Louisiana’s unemployment rate fell nearly a half a percent year-to-year for October, having added 3,600 seasonally adjusted non-farm jobs. The state’s unemployment rate now sits at 4.5 percent, up from 4.3 percent last month, but Workforce Commission Chief Economist Ali Bustamante says the trend is still towards growth.

Cut 3 (06)   “months” 

The state also remains in “Full Employment”.

Bustamante credits growth in the professional business services sector, which gained 3,200 jobs from this time last year.

Cut 4 (08) “…industry”

Bustamante says growth in professional services has led to record employment in the Baton Rouge and Hammond areas.

It’s not all rosy news though; year to year Monroe is down 800 jobs, Alexandria has lost 300 jobs, Houma bled 1,700 jobs, and Shreveport is down 1,600 jobs, but Bustamante sees a new trend.

Cut 5 (06) “…months” 

New Orleans lost 500 jobs over the last month, but has still gained 8,600 year to year.

_______________________

The former LSU frat member at the center of the hazing death of fraternity pledge Maxwell Gruver receives a five-year prison sentence, half of the sentence is suspended, so Matthew Naquin is set to serve two and half years. Max’s mom, Rae Ann Gruver, says Naquin showed no remorse when he addressed the court

Cut 6 (06) “…he said today.”

Naquin was found guilty in July of negligent homicide. He was also sentenced to one-thousand hours of community service and three years probation.

Judge Beau Higginbotham says Naquin must write a letter of apology to the Gruvers and speak to high school students about the dangers of hazing. Maxwell’s mother says Naquin is not the right person to lead an anti-hazing campaign…

Cut 7 (09) “…is wrong.”

Naquin is expected to bond out of prison today as he’ll remain free on bond pending appeals.

Naquin’s attorney John McLindon says he was disappointed in the sentencing as he felt it should have been more on par with others that had received lesser sentences in connection to Gruver’s death.

Cut 8 (12) “   …under the bus.”

McLindon says not enough blame has been put on Gruver who had a history of heavy drinking.

Cut 9 (10) “…responsibility in this.″

_______________________

Over a million dollars worth of drugs were seized during a bust in Shreveport thanks to K-9 cop named Mingo who sniffed out the narcotic filled shipping container.

Shreveport Police Chief Ben Raymond says they seized 24 pounds of THC wax, 2028 grams of THC gummies, 2,910 doses of THC oil, and…

Cut 10 (12) “blunts.”

The container was found in a vehicle at a home on the 100 block of Kayla Street.

Raymond says Shreveport is right on the I-20, and Raymond says it’s likely the narcotics came into Louisiana via that drug highway…

Cut 11 (09) “…citizens”

Most of the bust was THC related, and while drug offenses aren’t counted as violent crime, Raymond says they often lead to violence…

Cut 12 (09) “…safer.” 

Arrests are expected to follow soon.

________________________________________

A 14-year-old is under arrest after allegedly stabbing his 50-year-old father to death with a spear inside their Terrytown home. Jefferson Parish Sheriff Joe Lopinto says they received a call this morning from a teen who said he stabbed his father multiple times and needed assistance.

Cut 13 (06) “…scene.”

The boy is now in custody.

Lopinto says they aren’t sure what provoked the outburst this morning, but they suspect the son may have a mental illness.

Cut 14 (12) “…case.”

The Sheriff says it was a shocking discovery and a tragedy.

Cut 15 (12) “…too far.”

Senator Bill Cassidy’s legislation that would increase the amount of money Louisiana receives from offshore oil and gas revenue clears a U-S Senate Committee. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

__________________________________________

Top Republican contenders stayed out of this year’s Governor’s race, but reports say a number of GOP stars are weighing a run in 2023. Matt Doyle has the story…

cut  2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”    

__________________________________________

Legislation that would direct hundreds of millions of dollars more in offshore oil and gas revenue to Louisiana clears a Senate Committee.

If it gets signed into law the change could result in a windfall for the state, but one that Senator Bill Cassidy, who authored the legislation, says is constitutionally mandated to fund coastal restoration…

Cut 3 (11)   “levees” 

The legislation would give Gulf states 50 percent of offshore revenue generated, up from 37.5 percent currently. Cassidy says it also closes a loophole that exempted some rigs from contributing revenue.

Cut 4 (05) “…amount”

The bill also eliminates the 500 million dollar cap on total payouts to states.

Cassidy is optimistic this year’s attempt will succeed where others have failed and says it’ll be a significant economic boon to the state once it passes.

Cut 5 (07) “…marshland” 

Louisiana receives roughly 44 percent of all state-directed offshore oil and gas revenue.

_______________________

The 2019 Governor’s race is in the books and ambitious Republican state leaders are reportedly eyeing a 2023 race that won’t feature a popular incumbent Democrat.

Two prominent statewide elected figures stand out as early frontrunners, one of them is Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser, who tends to stay out of partisan fights, and is highly popular across party lines.

Cut 6 (10) “…better.”

That’s UL Lafayette Poli Sci Professor Pearson Cross who notes Nungesser won 68 to 32 over Democratic challenger Willie Jones in the October primary.

Cross says the other man thought to be a top contender is Louisiana’s Attorney General.

Cut 7 (10) “…Rispone.”

Cross says Landry’s more conservative reputation gives him an advantage over Nungesser.

Cross says there are also several GOP lawmakers who will consider running…

Cut 8 (10) “   …players.”

Cross says as of now it’s hard to name a Democrat who would be competitive in the 2023 governor’s race. The constitution prohibits Governor Edwards from running for a third consecutive term.

______________________

Eleven more juvenile whooping cranes have been brought to the White Lake Wetlands Conservation Area near Gueydan as the state wildlife officials attempt to re-establish the population of the rare bird. LDWF Biologist Sara Zimorski says the large birds have tracking transmitters and will be released next week, with the hopes they stay in Louisiana.

Cut 9 (12) “…throughout the year.″

Zimorski says when reintroduction efforts started in 2011, the bird was absent from the state. The state’s population of the bird at one point was as high as 10,000 but was nearly wiped out in the 1950s.

Cut 10 (08) “…of going extinct.”

Zimorski says one of the contributing factors to the bird’s decline was the disappearance of wetlands in favor of agriculture development.  Now, the birds are starting to take a liking to some of those areas too.

Cut 11 (10) “…whooping cranes prefer.”

The current total population is estimated to be over 800 with nearly 660 in the wild, 68 of those being in Louisiana.

____________________

U.S. Senator John Kennedy is the latest political figure to spotlight the conspiracy theory that multi-millionaire sex offender Jeffery Epstein may not have committed suicide in his prison cell.  Kennedy voiced his concerns during a Senate hearing with Federal Bureau of Prisons Director Kathleen Sawyer

Cut 12 (09) “…American people think.” 

Kennedy becomes the second Republican in Congress to acknowledge the speculation over Epstein’s death after Arizona Rep. Paul Gosar made tweets spelling out a message that highlighted the popular theory.  Kennedy says the American people deserve answers and acknowledged while Sawyer isn’t handling the investigation, she does talk to the people that are…

Cut 13 (09) “…a thorough investigation.”

Two correctional officers who were working the night of Epstein’s death have been arrested following accusations of falsifying documents after botching safety checks.  Epstein’s apparent suicide came before he could provide details about potential co-conspirators in sex-trafficking.  Kennedy says he wants investigators to put full focus into finding answers.

Cut 14 (07) “…they normally would.”

Black voter turnout powered Governor Edwards’ successful reelection bid. Matt Doyle spoke with one of the people behind that surge…

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

__________________________________________

Shreveport Representative Alan Seabaugh says despite having a Democratic victory over the Governor’s mansion, there is still a strong GOP counterbalance in the state legislature. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

cut  2 (25) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”    

__________________________________________

African American voter participation jumped six percent from the primary to the run-off, a major reason why Governor Edwards will be returning to office for another four years.

The Power Coalition was at the center of that effort, and Executive Director Ashley Shelton says the group knocked on over 298,000 doors, sent 375,000 text messages, and made over 350,000 phone calls.

Cut 3 (07)   “…old school” 

JMC Analytics says voter turnout in 70 percent black precincts was up 13 percent over the primary, compared to just 1.5 percent in 70 percent white precincts.

Shelton says this year’s minority turnout will help keep minority priorities in the conversation in Baton Rouge, regardless of party affiliation.

Cut 4 (10) “…vote.”

Shelton says President Trump’s three visits to Louisiana during the campaign also energized minority voters…

Cut 5 (10) “…vote” 

Shelton made the statements on Talk Louisiana.

_______________________

Shreveport Representative Alan Seabaugh criticizes his party’s inability to flip the Governor’s mansion. Seabaugh says GOP challenger Eddie Rispone had multiple flaws, from his reliance on President Trump to having young political consultants who had no idea about Louisiana politics.

Cut 6 (08) “…the Republican side.”

But this election cycle saw the GOP take a supermajority in the Senate and a near super-majority int he House. Seabaugh says if the Governor felt he had trouble working with GOP legislative leaders in his first term, he hasn’t seen anything yet.

Cut 7 (08) “…in both Houses.”

Seabaugh says the next four years could be contentious if Edwards keeps pushing left-leaning policies

Cut 8 (08) “   …can fix some.”

Seabaugh is a candidate to be the next House Speaker

______________________

Folks who come down with the flu can turn to Baloxivir (bal-OX-uh-veer), an anti-viral treatment that’s been out a little over a year publicly.

LSU Health New Orleans Professor of Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Dr. Fred Lopez, says the drug can reduce the severity and amount of time you’ll be sick…

Cut 9 (10) “…symptoms.”

The treatment is approved for anyone over the age of 12.

It’s not the only post-infection flu medication out there, but Lopez says unlike the others it’s just a single dose in pill form, and it’s newer…

Cut 10 (11) “…viruses.”

That being said Lopez says there’s no substitute for the flu vaccine…

Cut  11 (10) “country” 

Less than 50 percent of US adults get vaccinated for the flu every year.

____________________

The state Department of Transportation announces work will begin in January on improving the 1-20 bridge over the Mississippi River.  The two-mile bridge connects Madison Parish to Warren County, Mississippi and it was built in 1973.  DOTD spokesperson Erin Buchanan says crews will make several significant repairs.

Cut  12 (09) “…LED-type lighting system.” 

Roadway fiber optics will also be replaced with new cameras and a radar system that integrates into Mississippi’s IT system.  Buchanan says contractors are in the assembly period to get everything they need to get the work done into place.

Cut 13 (07) “..early 2021.”

Buchanan says the structural integrity of the bridge is not in question.

Cut 14 (07) “…a 50-year-old bridge.”

The work will require single lane closures during the project.