Over the last week, the Louisiana Department of Health has seen a rise in reported flu cases.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (29) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

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One in four kids in Louisiana live in food insecure homes according to a new study. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 2 (30) “Im Matt Doyle”  

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With the holiday season in effect, the state has seen an uptick in flu cases.  This news comes after a horrible flu season last year, with triple the number of hospitalizations and deaths than normal.  Flu Bug expert for Louisiana Department of Health Frank Welch says if you have not received a flu shot yet, you need to.

Cut 3 (10) “…get that flu shot.”

After seeing such a rapid spread of the illness last year, Welch says this year’s swell in cases seems normal.

Cut 4 (09) “…the normal uptick.″

Welch says getting the flu shot only doesn’t guarantee someone won’t get the flu, but if they do get the flu after getting the flu shot, it won’t be so severe.

Cut 5 (10)  “…amount of protection.” 

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The nation is bidding farewell to the 41st President of the United States, George H-W Bush, who had his funeral service today at the Washington National Cathedral in D-C. Bush, who lived most of his adult life in Texas, had a close connection to Louisiana. In 2001, he gave this advice to LSU graduates while delivering a commencement speech…

Cut 6 (12) “…your country”

Laura Bush, before she was the First Lady, was a commencement speaker at LSU in 1992 and former President George W. Bush spoke at LSU’s commencement in May of 2004. When George H-W Bush spoke in 2001 he told the graduates to be bold

Cut 7 (14) “it good”

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A Report from Hunger Free America says Louisiana has the third highest rate of food insecure children in the nation. About 25 percent of kids in the state live in households where their parents do not make enough money, and CEO Joel Berg puts much of the blame on the state’s low minimum wage.

Cut 8 (10) “…enough food”

Arkansas and New Mexico led the list, with neighboring Mississippi coming in at 5^th.

Berg says that doesn’t mean the state is a third world country, but it does mean many families are having to make tough choices choose b absolute necessities despite living in such a wealthy country

Cut 9 (12) “much poverty”

The report estimates food insecure homes would need an additional 441 million dollars in purchasing power a year to meet their basic needs.

Minimum wage increases have been passed in a majority of states over the past few years, but Louisiana remains one of the few left that utilize the federal minimum of 7.25 an hour. Berg says addressing that would be a good start towards addressing the state’s chronic poverty…

Cut 10 (08)   “…in Louisiana”

The report noted a significant decrease in food insecurity in states with minimums over 10 dollars an hour. The Governor is backing an 8.50 an hour minimum wage.

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LSU Athletic Director Joe Alleva told ESPN Radio in Baton Rouge that despite the great year for the Tigers, it’s not time to talk about a contract extension for Coach Ed Orgeron. Tiger Rag Editor James Moran says it’s Alleva’s style to wait after the final game is played

Cut 11 (11) “…of the team”

Orgeron is currently getting paid 3.5 million dollars a year and his current contract does not expire until December 31st, 2021. According to USA Today, Orgeron’s salary is the 37th highest among college football coaches. Moran says he can see Orgeron getting a raise in the offseason

Cut 12 (04)   “…salary.”

Moran says LSU’s 9-3 season to this point was better than expected and that might result in an increase in pay and at least another year added on to his contract…

Cut 13 (11) “…the winter”

A Fort Polk interior designer and military spouse got to help set the Christmas mood in the White House this year. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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Today we find out whether or not Senator John Kennedy will jump into the 2019 governor’s race…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”  

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CDC data indicates drug overdose deaths rose 12% in Louisiana from 2016 to 2017.  Kevin Barnhart has more.

Cut 3 (31) “I’m  Kevin Barnhart”

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A Fort Polk interior designer and military spouse had the honor last week of joining 150 of volunteers for the annual Christmas decoration of the White House. Amy Hirata was one of the seven thousand total applications sent in to join for the festive activities in the nation’s capital. Hirata says her team was put to work getting ornaments ready to hang.

Cut 4 (10) “ornaments″

She says the design was created in part by the First Lady, and described it as a traditional Christmas theme full of reds, golds, and greens. Hirata says each room was designed to highlight some of the best aspects of American life.

Cut 5 (12) “…our country.”

Most teams focused on decorating just one of the many historic rooms in the White House, but Hirata says her work can be seen throughout the entire grounds…

Cut 6 (11) “…each room.”

She says she’s particularly proud of her work on the library room, which featured her large green plaid and red velvet ribbons.

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Senator John Kennedy is expected to make his decision today on whether he’ll run for governor in 2019. Baton Rouge Republican businessman Eddie Rispone is currently the only announced challenger to Democratic Governor John Bel Edwards. LaPolitics.com publisher Jeremy Alford expects Kennedy to jump in.

Cut 7 (10) “…an announcement.”

Republican Congressman Ralph Abraham says he’s also leaning towards a run and will announce his decision by the end of the year.

If Kennedy jumps in, he’ll wade into a campaign that analysts predict will shatter previous fundraising records for Louisiana gubernatorial races. Alford says the campaign spending should easily top 20 million dollars.

Cut 8 (10) “…election cycle”

And if Kennedy is a participant, Alford says you’ll get a clear ideological divide between him and the governor on key issues that will shape the state’s future, a divide that’s played out publicly since Edwards took office.

Cut 9 (08) “…right now.”

Kennedy is less than two years into his six year Senate term.

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New CDC data indicates drug overdose deaths rose 12% in Louisiana from 2016 to 2017.  Overdose deaths has contributed to the life expectancy rate declining for  three straight year in the United States, a pattern not seen in 100 years. President and CEO of Trust for America’s Health John Auerbach says this marks the first time that more than 1,000 people died in a single year from overdoses in Louisiana.

Cut 10 (10)   “…the woods yet.”

Auerbach says part of the reason for the increase in the deaths last year was the increase in the use of synthetic opioids such as Fentanyl, with Fentanyl deaths up 45% in a single year.

Cut 11 (09) “…to it’s strength.”

Auerbach says there are many efforts in the country showing promise in reversing the trend.

Cut 12 (10)   “done in Louisiana.”

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For the first time in the 125-year history of LSU Football, the Tigers will play in the Fiesta Bowl in Glendale, Arizona on New Year’s Day and they’ll face UCF, who has won 25 in a row. Coach Ed Orgeron says his team deserved to play in a New Year’s Six Bowl game

Cut 13 (11) “…well deserved.”

Orgeron says he’s impressed with U-C-F’s 25-game winning streak…

Cut 14 (11) “…how to win”

U-C-F beat Auburn in last year’s Peach Bowl. Some wondered if Auburn was ready to play in that game after losing to Georgia in the SEC Championship game. Orgeron says his guys want to play in the Fiesta Bowl…

Cut 15 (09) “…to play”

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Louisiana Tech will face former Western Athletic Conference foe Hawaii in the Hawaii on Saturday night, December 22nd. The Bulldogs will play in a bowl game for a fifth consecutive season, but they ended the 2018 regular season losing three of their last four. Coach Skip Holtz was not happy with how his offense performed down the stretch…

Cut 16 (25)        points up”

Hawaii is 8-5 on the season and Holtz says he’s still learning about the Rainbow Warriors, while the coaching staff also juggles recruiting

Cut 17 (18) “lot of points”

Holtz says playing a bowl game in Hawaii is an unique experience and he’s glad his team has this opportunity

Cut 18 (20)  excited about it“

A Louisiana school that produced viral videos showing its students receiving acceptance letters to prestigious universities is now accused of falsifying transcripts. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Americans for Prosperity launches an anti-gas tax campaign on Saturday with ads on social media and gas station video screens…

Cut 2 (30) “Im Matt Doyle”  

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All good things must come to an end and the Saints 10-game winning streak ended last night with a 13-10 loss to Dallas. New Orleans was held to 176 total yards of offense as Quarterback Drew Brees was under duress for much of the game

Cut 3 (12) “we are doing”

Brees threw for just 39 yards in the first half and ended up with 127 yards passing. New Orleans couldn’t get its run game going as Alvin Kamara was held to 36 yards rushing, while Mark Ingram had just 27 yards on the ground. Coach Sean Payton says not enough success on first down, led to a long night…

Cut 4 (10) “in this game″

The officials missed an obvious targeting penalty when Dallas linebacker Jaylon Smith made helmet-to-helmet contact on Alvin Kamara. Instead of punting, the Saints should have received a first down on a critical drive in the fourth quarter. Payton was asked about the hit in the postgame

Cut 5 (11)  “…do enough” 

The Saints record falls to 10-2 and they slip to second in the NFC.

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A federal judge has ordered $34.8 million in restitution from the owner of Explo Systems, a military contractor hired to demilitarize artillery charges at Camp Minden in Webster Parish, in a case stemming from a huge munitions blast in 2012 due to illegal dumping of the materials.  US Attorney David Joseph says it was a difficult case to clean up.

Cut 6 (12) “…at Camp Minden.”

Explo Systems, who went bankrupt in 2013 had an $8.7 million contract for the job.  In addition to the restitution, David Alan Smith, owner of the company was sentenced to just shy of five years in prison, with four others in the company receiving sentences of between 2 to 5 years behind bars.  Joseph says he’s happy with the outcome.

Cut 7 (07) “…was done here.”

Joseph says the state has already been reimbursed for the cost it incurred from the case, so the restitution would be going toward the military.

Cut 8 (03) “…is currently due.”

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A Koch brother’s backed conservative advocacy group will begin airing anti-gas tax ads on social media and at gas station video screens across the state this weekend ahead of next year’s legislative session that may include a push to raise the tax to pay for road projects. Americans for Prosperity State Director John Kay says it’s no time for another tax.

Cut 9 (10) “you can”

Last year. infrastructure advocates attempted to pass a 17 cent gas tax that would have raised half a billion dollars a year to pay for infrastructure. Kay says that kind of price hike on an everyday item would hurt.

Cut 10 (07)   “…Louisiana”

Those advocates say they’re considering a six-cent gas tax increase next legislative session, with two cent hikes every other year after that.

Louisianans pay 38.4 cents per gallon in gas taxes total, 20 of which is state gas tax, one of the lowest totals in the nation. Kay says that’s something to be lauded, and that makes up for the state’s higher than normal sales tax rate.

Cut 11 (08) “…bad thing”

Pennsylvania leads the nation in state gas tax rates at 58.7 cents a gallon.

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Holiday traditions and events around the Bayou State are becoming quite the draw for visitors.  Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says as the state continues to promote staycations in Louisiana, it’s a great time to take the family around the state to take in some of the great celebrations.

Cut 12 (11)   “…parade on Saturday.”

Nungesser says Louisiana is more often becoming the place where families congregate for the holiday festivities.

Cut 13 (11) “…all over Louisiana.”

Nungesser highlights the Nachitoches Chrismas Festival, which is in its 92^nd year in 2018, as the one of the state’s staple Christmas celebrations.

Cut 14 (11) “…lights and celebration.”

Other events this weekend include Christmas in the Park in Bogalusa, Winter Fete in Alexandria, there’s a Christmas Parade in Jeanerette on Sunday and there’s the always popular Celebration in the Oaks in New Orleans.

Today marks the end of a hurricane season that now researchers are now saying they initially under-predicted.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (32) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

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After being closed to repair damages sustained from a collision with a crane last month, the Sunshine Bridge in St. James Parish will be partially reopening to traffic tomorrow, but it comes with some restrictions.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (21) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”  

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Donald Trump’s approval rating in Louisiana took a big jump this year, thanks to swelling support from his base…

Cut 3 (30) “…Matt Doyle”

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Today marks the final day of the 2018 hurricane season, a season that was initially forecasted to be below average.  Even though Louisiana was spared of the impact of any major weather event, other coastal areas in the US were not so lucky.  Colorado State University hurricane researcher Phil Klotzbach, lead author of the forecast says they under-predicted the slightly above average season.

Cut 4 (10) “actually has 3.″

While the season only saw two major hurricanes, Klotzbach says both brought devastation to the areas they made landfall with Hurricane Florence having a death toll of 53 and Hurricane Michael with 43 and counting.

Cut 5 (07) “…of Florida respectively.”

Klotzbach says regardless of the forecast, it’s important for coastal residents to always be prepared during hurricane season.

Cut 6 (05) “…saw this year.”

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Good news for the thousands of motorists who use the Sunshine Bridge in St. James Parish. The bridge was closed last month for repairs after a barge hit the structure, but after testing and inspections, it will be partially reopened tomorrow. DOTD spokesperson Rodney Mallett says this comes after crews have been working around the clock on repairs.

Cut 7 (06) “…main cords replaced.”

Mallett insists the bridge is safe, but there will be some restrictions for drivers.

Cut 8 (05) “…of 11 feet.”

Mallett says with only one lane in each direction opening, drivers can still expect some delays.

Cut 9 (05) “…a lot of people.”

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President Donald Trump’s approval is up to a clear majority of voters in Louisiana in a new poll from Bernie Pinsonat. Pinsonat says 2018 has featured a few big signature wins for causes close to white heart for white conservative voters that dominate the state’s electorate.

Cut 10 (10)   “…55% popular.”

Trump sports a 70 percent approval rating in total from white voters in Louisiana.

The poll also surveyed voter’s opinions on Senator John Kennedy and Governor Edwards. While Trump’s overall approval rating was lower than both of theirs, the percentage of voters who give him the best possible rating beats out the two Bayou State heavyweights.

Cut 11 (07) “…percent.”

Kennedy had the next highest excellent rating at 24 percent.

As popular as the President is with Louisiana white voters, he’s even less popular with black voters who make up nearly a third of the population. Those voters almost universally dislike Trump, with 86 percent disapproving of his job, Pinsonat says politically that may not matter…

Cut 12 (07)   “his corner.”

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Louisiana is under the threat of severe weather, especially for those north of Interstate 20.  National Weather Service Shreveport Meteorologist Brandi Richardson says an upper-level trough will push rain into the area during the daylight hours.

Cut 13 (12) “…north of there.” 

Richardson says the weather pattern will also bring a cold front into the area.

Cut 14 (07) “…force those thunderstorms.”

Richardson says when it comes to severe weather in for those south of I-20, it’s important for residents to be prepared as well.

Cut 15 (08) “…prepare for it.”

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Nichols is looking to keep their dream season alive, fresh off a 49-30 win over San Diego in the first round of the FCS playoffs. Up next they’ll take on Eastern Washington on Saturday up in Cheney Washington. The Eagles are averaging 60 points in their last three games and only lost 2 all years. Colonel’s Coach Tim Rebowe says they’re not to be underestimated.

Cut 16 (16) “…and them”

Eastern Washington QB Eric Barriere scored six total touchdowns in the Eagles last game, a 74-23 win over Portland State.

But Nichols has been impressive themselves, averaging 27 points scored in the first halves of their last three games while only letting in 10 total points from opponents over that same period. Rebow says strong starts have been a focus this year, but against this kind of opponent, they’ll need to keep their foot on the pedal…

Cut 17 (15) “slugfest”

Rebow says his team isn’t intimidated by their deep run in the FCS playoffs, and are looking forward to cracking the elite eight with a running game that’s trampled opponents this year.

Cut 18 (17)   arrogance“

LSU is 10th in the new college football playoff rankings, which gives them a good shot at playing in a New Year’s Six bowl game. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Prosecutors are attempting to obtain the cell phone passcode of Matthew Naquin, a former LSU student charged with negligent homicide in the suspected hazing death of Max Gruver.  Kevin Barnhart tells us why.

Cut 2 (32) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”  

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120 jobs are coming to Minden in Webster Parish as a result of Catamaran Solutions plans to assume operation of a 135,000 square foot industrial fabrication center. The jobs will come with an average salary of 61-thousand dollars a year. Minden Mayor Tommy Davis says the jobs will come in phases.

Cut 3 (09) “for minden”

Davis says the firm will provide analytics-informed construction and maintenance services for industrial clients…

Cut 4 (11) “…also″

The site is part of the state’s developing I-20 Cyber Corridor. Davis says Minden’s rail and interstate access helped seal the deal.

Cut 5 (08)  “…available.” 

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This year Christmas tree prices are on the rise.  That’s due to growing shortages stemming from the Great Recession.  The 2008 financial crisis put many tree farmers out of business.  Blake Huval, the owner of Huval’s Tree Hut in Central, says at the time, the market was flooded with more trees than demand is having its effect on the price this year.

Cut 6 (09) “…10 to 12 years.”

Huval says farmers at the time scaled back on planting new trees that would be ready for harvest this year.

Cut 7 (11) “…to sell it.”

Huval says for those looking to save a few bucks, he recommends looking at trees that might not be a premium grade tree.

Cut 8 (08) “…wrong with that.”

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LSU is 10th in the new college football playoff rankings, which is good news for their chances of playing in a New Year’s Six bowl game. Jerry Palm does bowl projections for CBS-Sports-dot-com and says as long as there not any major upsets in the Big 10 or ACC Championship games, the Tigers should have a postseason game in either Arizona or Georgia…

Cut 9 (09) “Fiesta Bowl”

Palm says if LSU goes to the Peach Bowl they could face Michigan. He says if the Tigers play in the Fiesta Bowl, they’ll likely face a Group of 5 opponent like U-C-F…

Cut 10 (12)   “…Fiesta Bowl”

LSU’s seven overtime loss to Texas A&M cost them three spots in the rankings, but they remain ranked in the Top 10 despite three losses on the season. Palm says when you look at the teams around them, 10 is a good spot, but they could fall again if there’s a couple upsets this Saturday…

Cut 11 (11) “…LSU”

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Prosecutors are attempting to obtain the cell phone passcode of Matthew Naquin, a former LSU student charged with negligent homicide in the suspected hazing death of Max Gruver.  But Loyola University Law Professor Dane Ciolino says the Fifth Amendment prohibits Naquin from being obligated to give a testimony revealing his cellular passcode.

Cut 12 (09)   “…act that’s testimonial.”

Ciolino says, while it could be that Naquin feels there could be damaging information on the cell phone, he could also be keeping quiet out of principle.

Cut 13 (10) “…certainly has merit.”

Ciolino says with Naquin’s case of using a passcode, courts will have a tougher time accessing the contents of his cell phone.  Ciolino adds that courts don’t have the same issue with some of the new technology used in unlocking devices.

Cut 14 (10) “…this is different.”

A hearing on the issue is scheduled for next Tuesday.

John Madden may be retired as a football commentator, but 21 years later he still celebrates holidays with a Louisiana classic creation, the Turkducken.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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There will be heavy law enforcement on the roadways over the next few days, ensuring motorists get to their destination safely.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”  

State Fire Marshal Butch Browning has tips on keeping you and your family safe this holiday.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

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A simple task of holiday house cleaning has resulted in a couple coming up with enough cash to just buy a whole new house.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (31) “Im Kevin Barnhart”  

The Republican Study Committee for the 116^th Congress has a new chairman and he’s from Louisiana.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

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The School Board meeting in Vermilion Parish where a teacher was forcibly removed after questioning the Superintendent’s pay raise has been legally voided by the courts. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Jeff Palermo”  

A new drug shows promising results for children who suffer from life-threatening peanut allergies. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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Women under 21 can no longer work as exotic dancers in Louisiana clubs as a result of a ruling from a federal appellate court. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Jeff Palermo”  

19-year-old Stanley Celestine is ready to make a difference as a newly elected school board member for the Avoyelles Parish School Board. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Louisiana has seen job gains for 13 consecutive months.  Kevin Barnhart has more

Cut 2 (28) “Im Kevin Barnhart”  

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LSU got its offense back on track versus a weak Rice Owls team as the Bayou Bengals had 552 yards of total offense in a 42-10 win. Quarterback Joe Burrow threw for a career-high 307 yards and two touchdowns. Foster Moreau and Derek Dillon each caught five passes and Nick Brossette rushed for two touchdowns. Coach Ed Orgeron says a good week of preparation led to good results…

Cut 19 (19)   “…really well”

LSU has one regular season game left and its this Saturday versus Texas A&M. A ten-win season and a berth into a New Year’s Six Bowl game is on the line for the Tigers. Orgeron knows his guys will be ready…

Cut 20 (15) “…prepare our best”