Governor John Bel Edwards says he’s open to dedicating revenue from sports betting to early childhood education.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (32) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

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 A State GOP operative says the party is seriously considering backing just one candidate in the governor’s race for the October open primary…

Cut 2 (30) “Im Matt Doyle”  

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Educators are keeping their finger on the pulse of sports betting in Louisiana after Governor John Bel Edwards says he’s open to dedicating any revenue from the additional gaming to better preparing children for kindergarten.  Edwards says if the state really wants to make a difference in the lives of children, more needs to be done about early childhood education.

Cut 3 (08) “…kindergarten any longer.”

While he expects the gains to be modest, Edwards says the sports betting is also an important aspect in making sure the state doesn’t see a decline in gaming revenue.

Cut 4 (11) “…our best interest.″

Edwards says the extra gaming revenue could go towards early childhood programs and it will be up for discussion when the legislature meets in April…

Cut 5 (12) “…to have.”

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After a 2015 GOP gubernatorial blood bath that saw the ascendance of The South’s only Democratic governor, Louisiana Republican operative Scott Wilfong, on Talk Louisiana, said the party is taking a hard look in 2019 at throwing their weight behind just one candidate before the October open primary. Wilfong says the party will be discussing that question, and soon.

Cut 6 (06) “…ultimately”

Louisiana operates a “jungle” primary where candidates from all parties are pitted against one and other, with the top two making the run-off. GOP state leaders have requested closed primaries where each party sends their winning candidate to a general election, but Wilfong says that’s yet to materialize.

Cut 7 (11) “one candidate”

Wilfong says potential candidates will be given an opportunity to build support and compete for the Louisiana GOP’s backing, and he hopes that once a frontrunner becomes clear, the other competitors will bow out gracefully.

Cut 8 (09) “…get out”

The only two Republicans in the race so far are Baton Rouge businessman Eddie Rispone, and Congressman Ralph Abraham.

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An Acadian restauranteur and chef has died following a plane crash while on a hunting trip in California.  Lionel Robin is fondly remembered in his community and his food crawfish etouffee was once featured on the Food Network.   Henderson Mayor Sherbin Collette says he has known Robin is whole life.

Cut 9 (08) “…would help them.″

Robin had owned and operated Robin’s Restaurant in Hersonville for about four decades, but had recently been working as the hospitality chef for Tabasco Pepper Sauce.  Collette says Robin had a passion for hunting.

Cut 10 (09) “…he wouldn’t miss.”

Collette says Robin was a happy guy and his crawfish etouffee was so popular, he canned the dish and it was distributed around the country.

Cut 11 (11) “…food was fantastic.”

Robin was 70 years old.

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Louisiana’s House Republican delegation supports President Trump’s effort to secure billions of dollars for wall at the U-S Mexico border. Mr. Trump calls it a security crisis, however top congressional Democrats say the president is providing misinformation. Louisiana Congressman Steve Scalise says Democrats are in denial

Cut 12 (12)   “…southern border” 

Scalise says if Democrats want to claim they support border security, they should be willing to negotiate…

2018 was a significant year in fundraising for the re-election campaign of Governor John Bel Edwards, raising $3.8 million, bringing his total campaign account to over $8.3 million.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

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President Trump speaks to the nation tonight about border security. Matt Doyle has reaction from a Republican and a Democrat.

Cut 2 (30) “Im Matt Doyle”  

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According to his re-election campaign, Gov. John Bel Edwards raised $3.8 million in 2018 and enters 2019 with $8.3 million in the bank for the race. UL Lafayette Poli Sci Professor Pearson Cross says that’s a significant number for the Governor.

Cut 3 (10) “…get him re-elected.”

Cross says this indicates that any challengers who can’t raise about ten million dollars will not be competitive in the race.

Cut 4 (12) “…the governor has.″

A report from the campaign indicates that 87% of the money came from in-state donors. Cross says Edwards will remain active on the campaign fundraising trail.

Cut 5 (08) “…for this race.”

One of Edwards’ announced challengers, Eddie Rispone’s gubernatorial campaign says the Baton Rouge Republican has 5.5 million dollars in his campaign account. No word yet from the other Republican challenger Ralph Abraham.

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President Trump will address the nation at 8PM to lay out his case for increased funding for border security in the midst of a government shutdown over the President’s demand for 5.7 billion in funding for a physical border wall. Republican Congressman Garret Graves says we do not need another Great Wall, but additional physical structures would decrease illegal border crossings.

Cut 6 (11) “…of miles”

Graves says additional border security is necessary due to the presence of Central American cartels on the Mexican side that he says are responsible for the vast majority of opioids in America, and other criminal activity.

Cut 7 (07) “occurring”

But Democrats refuse to pass a spending bill that includes border wall funding, calling it wasteful and unnecessary. Democratic New Orleans Congressman Cedric Richmond says the House will not force taxpayers to waste their money on the President’s campaign slogan.

Cut 8 (10) “…of money.”

Richmond says those funds should go towards social programs like paid maternity leave.

The President says building the wall would make America safer, but Richmond says those claims just aren’t true, and utilizing modern methods, like those called for by the Department of Homeland Security, would be a better border plan.

Cut 9 (09) “…technology″

Graves agreed that a border security plan should also lean on modern technology over just a wall.

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A candlelight vigil was held yesterday at Marksville High School as the Avoyelles Parish community came together to mourn those affected by the deadly wreck in Florida that claimed the lives of five children last week.  Avoyelles House of Mercy Pastor Eric Descant called into the gathering from Florida to address those in attendance.

Cut 10 (11) “…and compassionate people.”

Descant took a moment to show his appreciation to those that have shown support for the community.

Cut 11 (09) “…them to rest.”

Governor John Bel Edwards spoke about the wreck at the Baton Rouge Press Club yesterday, saying he’s been praying for the community and he has been in touch with church leaders over the weekend.

Cut 12 (12)   “…community in Marksville.” 

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The Avoyelles Parish town of Marksville remains in mourning over the deaths of five children killed in a fiery crash in Florida.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (29) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

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Dukes of Hazzard star John Schneider says his Holden-based production studio was seized because he’s a lot more of a story teller than he is a businessman. Jeff Palermo has more..

Cut 2 (30) “Im Jeff Palermo”  

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The residents of Marksville in Avoyelles Parish are still in mourning following the I-75 crash involving two 18 wheelers that left seven dead, with five being local children on a church trip to Disney last week.  Another candlelight vigil is planned for 5:30 this afternoon at Marksville High School’s football field.  Marksville mayor John Lemoine describes the day the news broke in the town.

Cut 3 (10) “…everybody knows everybody.”

The wreck happened just outside of the Gainsville area.

The children ranged in age from 14 to 9.  Lemoine says he knew four of the five children that died in the fiery crash.

Cut 4 (08) “…with the community.″

Lemoine says the support that has come in from around the country to help the grieving community has been overwhelming.

Cut 5 (11) “…the country’s had.”

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Former Dukes of Hazzard star John Schneider has opened up about why his production studio in Holden was seized by the Sheriff, saying plainly, that it’s his fault for not making the mortgage payments on the property. Schneider says the recording and filmmaking hub has been on hard times since the 2016 floods, but…

Cut 6 (09) “…the world”

Court records indicate Schneider has not paid the mortgage, held by First Guarantee Bank, on the property since July 28^th.

Schneider, who played Bo Duke on the hit show from 79-85, says he wants to make it clear that unlike many plots from Dukes, the seizure was not some nefarious, underhanded scheme from the local sheriff.

Cut 7 (11) “…in trouble.”

The star purchased the property, named Schneider Studios, in Holden in 2014.

Schneider hopes fans will visit the website and purchase some of the songs and movies made at the studio in a last second bid to stop from losing the property, but warns he will not be asking for charity.

Cut 8 (08) “…on that.”

The property is set to be sold January 16th.

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A single-vehicle crash on LA Hwy 135 in Franklin Parish on Sunday resulted in the death of a teenage driver and serious injuries to another teen. State Police Trooper Michael Reichardt says 16-year-old Angel Irwin of Winnsboro over corrected and hit a tree…

Cut 9 (10) “…serious injuries″

The trooper says impairment is not suspected and the conditions of the passenger are not known at this time.

Reichardt says regardless of the holiday season a crash like this is tragic…

Cut 10 (09) “…party”

Reichardt says if you are traveling always be prepared…

Cut 11 (07) “…seatbelt”

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At 23 years of age, the village of Turkey Creek in Evangeline Parish has the youngest mayor in the state’s history.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Kevin Barnhart.”

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The U.S. Surgeon General says a record 2.1 million American teenagers vape. Matt Doyle spoke with a local health expert about this epidemic.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”  

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Governor John Bel Edwards will address the Press Club today.  Kevin Barnhart speaks with political analyst Bernie Pinsonat on what we’ll expect to hear.

Cut 3 (32) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

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Construction begins today to improve the integrity of the I-210 Prien Lake Bridge in Calcasieu Parish.  The 35-million dollar project is expected to last one year.  DOTD spokesperson Tammy York says motorists need to be prepared for a slowdown in the area.

Cut 4 (12) “…9PM to 4AM.” 

York says the first phase kicking off today is to prepare the structure for a redecking that will happen in the second phase of the project.

Cut 5 (09) “…side of the bridges.”

York recommends drivers find another route to avoid the area if possible.

Cut 6 (09) “…higher traffic volume.”

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The village of Turkey Creek in Evangeline Parish now holds the distinction of having the youngest mayor to hold the office in the history of the state.  Phillip Cavins, who is 23-years-old , says growing up, he’s always had an interest in government and politics.

Cut 7 (11) “…went in unopposed.”

Cavins says he grew up on the outskirts of city limits, and has fond memories of riding bikes, skateboarding, and playing basketball in the area.

Cut 8 (09) “…take this step.”

Cavins says the age distinction didn’t dawn on him.  Once he qualified for the position and found out he was running unopposed, someone reached out and let him know he was likely the youngest mayor in the history of the state.

Cut 9 (12) “…the same time.″

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The U.S. Surgeon General has declared teen vaping an epidemic as a report says an estimated 2.1 million middle and high school students are using the electronic cigarettes. Department of Health Assistant State Health Officer, Dr. Joseph Kanter, says just because it’s not a traditional cigarette, doesn’t mean it isn’t terrible for your health, particularly if you’re young.

Cut 10 (12)   “…and younger.”

10.7 million kids aged 12 to 17 say they’ve tried the cigarette alternative, and Kanter says even worse, two thirds of them were not aware that e-cigs were harmful to their health. Kanter says it took decades to crush teen smoking, and this new trend could see it come back.

Cut 11 (10) “…we’ve seen”

Kanter says it’s particularly disturbing considering how much leeway vape companies are given in their advertising. He says while traditional cigarettes are banned from promoting in a way that attracts kids, e-cigarette companies are specifically targeting youth.

Cut 12 (11)   “…packaging.”

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Governor John Bel Edwards addresses the Baton Rouge Press Club today as he begins the final year of his current term.  Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat expects Edwards will tout his accomplishments and also tell us his re-election message…

Cut 13 (09) “…should be reelected.”

Pinsonat says of the accomplishments, Edwards will likely highlight the stability in the budget as well as funding for education and health care.

Cut 14 (09) “…he’ll talk about.”

Pinsonat predicts Edwards will focus on the goal of teacher pay raises, as Louisiana is below the southern regional average.

Cut 15 (10) “…of the question.”

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Former Haughton star and Sulphur native Dak Prescott won his first NFL playoff game on Saturday as the Cowboys defeated the Seahawks 24-22. Prescott threw for 226 yards and one touchdown. He also rushed for a touchdown as Dallas moves on to play the Los Angeles Rams on Saturday

Cut 16 (16)  keep going”

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The Saints will host the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday in the NFC Divisional Round. Former ULM star and Philadelphia Coach Doug Pederson is now 4-0 in the playoffs as a head coach. The Eagles stunned the Bears 16-15 yesterday with a dramatic wild card win in the Windy City. Pederson and quarterback Nick Foles have been unstoppable in the postseason the last two seasons

 cut 17 (15)    on the sideline” 

The Eagles and Saints will meet for a second time this season at 3:40 on Sunday. New Orleans smashed Philly 48-7 in the Superdome on November 18th. Pederson expects a much closer contest this time…

Cut 18 (13)    great atmosphere” 

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.

__________________________________

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”

_____________

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.
___________________________

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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