Former Governor Kathleen Blanco will give the Commencement address at UL-Lafayette today. Kelley Ray reports the governor is known as a friend to education…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Kelley Ray.”

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Republican Congressman Mike Johnson along with Democratic Congressman Charlie Crist of Florida have created a caucus dedicated to restoring civility in American politics. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 2 (28) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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A State Legislative Audit into possible misuse of state funds by former Superintendent Mike Edmonson has been released.  Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo .”

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Former Governor Kathleen Blanco will give the Commencement address at UL-Lafayette today.   Blanco announced last week she is fighting liver cancer.  University President Joe Savoie says the plans for her to speak today were made before her latest diagnosis…

Cut 4  (06) “do it.” 

Blanco served as Governor from 2004 to 2008 and Savoie says Blanco led efforts to improve higher education funding…

Cut 5  (10)  “southern states.”

Savoie says Blanco has not only been a great political leader, but is a great person and looks forward to seeing her values shine through in the speech…

Cut 6 (10)  “to it.”

Her husband Raymond served many roles at UL-Lafayette during his 46 years with the university.

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Republican U.S. Representative Mike Johnson along with Democratic Florida Representative Charlie Crist have established a bi-partisan Honor and Civility Caucus to restore trust and confidence in American politics. Johnson, who represents the northwestern parishes of Louisiana, says it’s time to change the tone of the way politics is done.

Cut 7 (11)  “an example”

Johnson authored the “Commitment to Civility” that’s been signed by over 120 bi-partisan members of Congress to commit to setting an example of personal integrity and mutual respect. He says it’s sad that an issue has to be made about this topic to remind people to be polite.

Cut 8 (09) “pretty simple”

Johnson says the goal of the caucus is to hold other lawmakers responsible for their actions and encourage respect in Congress.

Cut 9 (10)  “vice versa.”

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Through an Executive Order, Governor John Bel Edwards has the created the Governor’s Justice Implementation Oversight Council as a part of the sweeping criminal justice reform effort.  The Governor’s Communications Director Shauna Sanford says a variety of backgrounds will serve on the panel…

Cut 12 (08) “the council.”

A required annual report will be submitted to the Governor starting at the end of 2018.

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The state legislative auditor releases findings that point to possible misuse of state dollars and abuse of power by the former Superintendent of State Police Mike Edmonson. During a meeting of the legislative audit advisory council, an auditor who worked on the report gave an example of how Edmonson allegedly used public resources to run errands for his family…

Cut 13 (10)  “state vehicle”

Governor John Bel Edwards calls the report’s findings troubling. The report also details improper use of New Orleans hotel rooms during Mardi Gras. State Auditor Roger Harris says Edmonson and his family lived in a state owned building without proper authority….

Cut 14 (12) “of his employment.”

Edmonson says he plans to respond to the audit by January 15th and believes Louisiana residents will not prematurely reach conclusions until all facts are presented. He retired in March after it was learned several troopers billed taxpayers for sight seeing trip to Las Vegas and Grand Canyon. Harris says they believe Edmonson knew about the expensive side trip…

Cut 15 (13) “tour sites”

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The 9-and-4 Saints are preparing to host the New York Jets Sunday. New Orleans is in a tie in the NFC South with Carolina after losing last Thursday to Atlanta.  Quarterback Drew Brees says the long week has allowed the team to heal and prepare for the final four games of the regular season…

Cut 16  (11)  “some experience.”

More than likely, running back Mark Ingram will cross the one-thousand yard mark in rushing, matching his 2016 effort of over one-thousand yards.  Brees says Ingram is a leader that all players want to rally around…

Cut 17 (20) “more positive.”

Brees was critical of the NFL following last week’s loss to the Falcons, but says he realizes that as a leader, he needs to focus on the next challenge in the New York Jets Sunday and be fully prepared…

Cut 18 (17) “from example.”

Kick off is set for 12 noon on CBS.

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A grand jury meets today in the case of 10 LSU Phi Delta Theta brothers who are charged in connection with the death of Maxwell Gruver. Don Molino has more…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Don Molino”

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The Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over Campaign is underway to keep Louisiana’s roadways safe over the holiday season. Emelie Gunn has the story…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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A grand jury meets for the first time today to begin the process of determining if 10 LSU fraternity members should be charged in connection with Maxwell Gruver’s suspected hazing death. Loyola University Law Professor Dane Ciolino says this gives the accused individuals the chance to testify and tell their side of the story…

Cut 3 (11) “to drink”

Gruver’s mother, Rae Ann, spoke on ABC’s Good Morning America today the Phi Delta Theta brothers should be charged with murder. Ciolino says this is not the type of case that needs to be presented to a grand jury as 9 of the 10 men involved face misdemeanor charges. He suspects East Baton Rouge Parish District Attorney Hillar Moore chose to call a grand jury because…

Cut 4  (10) “that decision.” 

All 10 individuals involved face a hazing charge and one of them faces a negligent homicide charge. Ciolino says Moore calling for a grand jury could be a way to get some extra information on this case.

Cut 5  (07)  “of something”

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Authorities say a prank that went awry in Iberville Parish caused a scare at the Math, Science and Arts Academy-West campus when a snap chat picture of a student holding a semi-automatic rifle was changed to warn kids not to go to school. Sheriff Brett Stassi says original photo shows a student wearing a bandana holding a .308 caliber rifle.

Cut 6 (10)  “terrorism”

Stassi says last night they identified the eighth grader who took the photo and were able to take his guns and prohibit him from attending school today.

Cut 7 (11)  “school board”

No charges have been field and they are trying to find the person responsible of changing the words of the photo, which caused the terrorism scare. Stassi says while this is a frightening occurrence, students should feel safe attending school.

Cut 8 (09) “the school.”

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The U-S Post Office says today is the last day to mail packages via ground service, if you want ensure that gift arrives in time for Christmas. And Twana Barber with the U-S Postal Service says you only have a few more days to ship Christmas cards…

Cut 9 (09)  “By Christmas”

Barber says all first class mail needs to be at the Post Office by December 19th, the deadline for priority mail is December 20th and December 22nd for Priority Mail express. She says make sure the address of where the gift is going can be clearly seen and so is the recipient’s name…

Cut 12 (10) “and celebrate

Williams says Louisiana has a big problem with drinking and driving all times of the year, not just during the holidays. She says more than 330 people were killed in 2016 as a result of someone getting behind the wheel impaired.

Cut 13 (06)  “drunk driver”

Williams says it only takes one bad choice to alter or change the course of someone’s life. She says through the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign, grant money is used to allow for more law enforcement to be on the roads conducting DWI checkpoints.

Cut 14 (11) “our roadways”

St. Landry Parish authorities have identified two bodies found in Lake Dubbisson.  Jeff Palermo says the next step is trying to find out why there were together…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Governor John Bel Edwards met with members of the House Republican Delegation today as he’s eyeing a February special session to solve the so-called fiscal cliff. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 2 (29) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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The St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office is trying to figure out how two bodies ended up in Lake Dubbisson.  Authorities have positively identified 21-year-old Lia Ali Kazan of Shreveport and 30-year-old Anthony Michael Murray of Elmer. Sheriff Bobby Guidroz says they are trying to find out why the two were together …

Cut 3 (05) “it together.”

Kazan was reported missing while visiting friends in Alexandria.  Guidroz says authorities are trying to piece together what happened after she was kidnapped…

Cut 4  (06) “Alexandria detectives.” 

Guidroz says the key to figuring out this case is trying to identify the relationship between the Kazan and Murray, since there isn’t any witnesses so far…

Cut 5  (07)  “right now.”

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A Boutte (Boo-tee) man says his dog saved his life from a house fire over the weekend. Calvin Baldwin says he was exhausted after coming home from the LHSAA High School Football State Championship games and fell asleep on his couch….

Cut 6 (12)  “the house”

Baldwin says his trusty pup, Rusty, is truly a life saver. He says he and Rusty are staying with his mother because his house is a total loss as a result of an electrical spark.

Cut 7 (08)  “for me”

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Governor John Bel Edwards spoke with House Republicans today about the state’s looming one-point-one billion dollar plus budget deficit. Edwards told conservative lawmakers he would like to close the budget gap by using the recommendations developed by a budget and tax task force

Cut 8 (10) “those recommendations.”

A big reason for the so called “fiscal cliff” is that one penny from the  state’s five-cent sales tax will expire on June 30th. Edwards says he does not support extending the fifth penny, but the state can make up for that revenue lost by removing dozens of sales tax exemptions…

Cut 9 (08)  “the problem”

Edwards plans on calling a special session in February to address the fiscal cliff. The governor says it’s his goal for the legislature to approve a tax code that stabilizes the state’s budget, which would be beneficial to Louisiana’s economy…

Cut 12 (11) “zero tolerance”

Cavalier says the accident occurred near Repp’s home in Pierre Part when he ran crashed his patrol car.

Cut 13 (11)  “a ditch”

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The headquarters for the state Department of Transportation were vandalized last night by gunfire, according to State Police. The building is near the Governor’s Mansion in Baton Rouge. Senior Trooper Bryan Lee says investigators are currently collecting evidence and working to determine a cause and who would’ve done this.

Cut 14 (08) “the incident”

Windows on the east side of the building received damage from the gunshots. Lee says precautions have been put in place to ensure the building is secure and it is monitored by the Department of Public Safety.

Cut 15 (08) “those areas”

A coalition of student groups called Renew LSU is urging university officials to change the names of two prominent buildings on campus. Emelie Gunn has more….

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Is Congressman Ralph Abraham planning to run for governor in 2019? Michelle Southern spoke with the Richland Parish physician…:

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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A coalition of student groups called Renew LSU is pushing for university leaders to rename two prominent buildings on campus, Murphy J. Foster Hall and the John M. Parker Agriculture Coliseum. The group’s spokesperson Savanah Dickinson says former Governor Foster created voter registration requirements that disenfranchised a majority of the Bayou State in the 1890s.

Cut 3 (10) “lynch mob.”

Dickinson says Parker served as governor from 1920 to 1924 and participated in and refused to apologize for the 1891 lynching of 11 Sicilian immigrants who were allegedly involved in the murder of a New Orleans Police Chief. She says they hope to rename Foster Hall  in honor of Dr. Pinkie Gordon Lane.

Cut 4  (09) “poet laureate.” 

It’s expected Renew LSU will hear back from LSU in the spring. Dickinson says they hope Parker Coliseum will be renamed in honor of former New Orleans mayor Dutch Morial and former Vice President Hubert Humphrey. She says even though they might receive some push back, changing these names is the right thing to do.

Cut 5  (09)  “it stops”

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Since Louisiana has some of the highest rates for teen pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections in the county, the Louisiana Public Health Institute has started a new campaign called “Geaux Talk”.  Associate Director Kristie Bardell says parents can go to geaux-talk-dot-org to receive tips on how to discuss with their children the harsh realities about sexual related diseases…

Cut 6 (11)  “sexual education.”

61 percent of Louisiana parents and caregivers believe their children received or received sex education in school, but Bardell says the numbers show the current education programs are not working…

Cut 7 (09)  “teen pregnancy.”

Bardell says if parents are not happy with the sex education their child is getting now, she urges them to discuss it further with school administrators by getting tips on how to do that at geaux-talk-dot-org…

Cut 8 (10) “within schools.”

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There’s  buzz about Congressman Ralph Abraham of Richland Parish running for governor in 2019. He would join other potential GOP candidates going up against Democratic Governor John Bel Edwards such as US Senator John Kennedy, AG Jeff Landry and Congressman Garret Graves. Abraham says he’s considering the option…:

Cut 9 (07)  “look at it closely”

Abraham says he would love to bring to the state level what they are working towards on Capitol Hill which is less government oversight, and more money and more authority to citizens…:

Cut 12 (05) “119.4 million dollars”

The payout represents the largest single prize ever won in the Louisiana Lottery’s 26-year history. Chopin says the winning family wishes to remain anonymous, but obviously they are elated…:

Cut 13 (10)  “a little bit”

The family released a statement which said, “For those who say you’ll never win, well never was on October 25th.” Chopin says the family member who bought the winning ticket was actually off-shore when he discovered he’d won. She says the winning family agreed that they would share any winnings:

Cut 14 (09) “inch range”

Former Governor Kathleen Blanco announces she’s fighting an incurable form of liver cancer.  Kelley Ray reports on how one local doctor feels about her prognosis…

Cut 1 (32) “I’m Kelley Ray.”

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Gas prices in Louisiana are on a steady downward trend. Michelle Southern reports…:

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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Former Louisiana Governor Kathleen Blanco has announced she is fighting an incurable form of liver cancer.  It traveled from her eye after she was diagnosed in 2011 with ocular melanoma, a dangerous and rare cancer.  Chief of Surgical Oncology at LSU Health New Orleans Dr. Adam Riker says the key to get Blanco’s immune system strong to slow the progression of the cancer…

Cut 3 (10) “tumor cells.”

Riker says all hope is not lost.  If one treatment doesn’t work, there are several therapies that can tried in both mainstream and experimental medicine…

Cut 4  (12) “these days.” 

She is currently undergoing treatment in Philadelphia.  The 74-year-old native of New Iberia served as Louisiana’s first female governor from 2004 to 2008.  Blanco was criticized for her handling of Hurricane Katrina in 2005.  However, UL Lafayette Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says that has been muted after looking back at the magnitude of the storm…

Cut 5  (06)  “for them”

Cross says Blanco changed the face of politics in Louisiana becoming a trailblazer for females in public office…

Cut 6 (09)  “her legacy.”

Female mayors are currently serving in Shreveport and Baton Rouge and New Orleans just elected its first woman mayor.

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Gas prices in Louisiana are on a steady downward trend, as the current statewide average of $2.26 is 4 cents lower on the week. AAA Fuel Analyst Don Redman says they expect gasoline demand to weaken throughout the winter, which translates to better prices at the pump…:

Cut 7 (05)  “Christmas Holidays”

Redman says January and February will be one of the best times of the year at the pump…:

Cut 8 (08) “right now”

Redman says normally gas prices start falling around October, but strong demand this year saw the number spike a bit. He says consumers were able to absorb the extra costs because of a strong economy..:

Cut 9 (10)  “personal economy”

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Authorities in St. Landry Parish are investigating the finding of a 21-year-old woman’s body in Lake Dubisson (Doo-ba-san). The body was found this morning, but a search was started Sunday after a fisherman reeled in an unusual item from the lake according to Sheriff Bobby Guidroz (Gee-dro)…

Cut 12 (08) “the distance.”

Anyone with information is urged to contact the St. Landry’s Parish Sheriff’s Office at 337-948-6516…

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Totals are in for Friday’s historic snow event and Kentwood saw the most in the state with 6 and a half inches. That’s according to Shawn O’Neil with the National Weather Service in Slidell, who says parts of the Baton Rouge area saw three to five inches…

Cut 13 (09)  “that area”

O’Neil says the moisture stayed a little longer than originally anticipated. He says most areas below Lake Pontchartrain saw at least a small amount of snow but the majority fell within the Florida Parishes.

Cut 14 (09) “inch range”

O’Neil says this is the first measurable snow for south Louisiana since December of 2008.

Cut 15 (09) “snow event”

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Multiple reports indicate NFL viewership is down this season. Kelley Ray spoke with a Baton Rouge ad agent about the impacts…

Cut 2 (22) “I’m Kelley Ray”

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Former Governor Kathleen Blanco says she’s in the fight for her life as the 74-year-old is battling liver cancer. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 3  (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”  

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The LSU AgCenter has developed a milk-based meal replacement powder to help consumers lose weight. Studies show drinking meal replacement shakes for 12 weeks instead of meals is a safe way to drop pounds. Director of the AgCenter Food Incubator Gaye Sandoz says they’ve developed the powder and now LSU’s Pennington  Research Center will test the product.

Cut 4  (07) “to do”

Sandoz says the AgCenter created the powder shake in chocolate and vanilla flavors and a candy to be added to the meal replacement.

Cut 5  (08)  “special milk”

The powder is derived from a2 milk, which is easier to digest than normal milk. Sandoz says they will work with Pennington to package and market the product. She adds this development came from a long period of hard work by researchers.

Cut 6 (10) “the market” 

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Multiple reports indicate fewer people are watching as much pro football than they used too. Baton Rouge-based Todd Advertising Agency owner Deborah Todd says it’s not just national anthem protests, she says viewer fatigue has also set in, because of an over saturation of NFL games…

Cut 7 (10)  “used to.”

Todd says cord cutters, households who get rid of cable or satellite TV, is also hurting NFL viewership. She says internet based apps like Netflix, Hulu and Directvnow, is helping to further divide people’s attention away from professional football and it’s cheaper…

Cut 8 (08) “a month.”

NFL contracts involving the five television networks, Twitter and Amazon Prime are worth five-billion-dollars through 2022.  With the viewers scattering, Todd foresees advertisers and networks alike renegotiating their contracts…

Cut 9 (08)  “to give.”

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LaPolitics Weekly reports Congressman Ralph Abraham is considering a run for governor in 2019. Abraham says he hasn’t made any decisions, but a number of people are asking him about it. ULM Political Science Professor Joshua Stockley says the Richland Parish physician will need to boost his name recognition

Cut 10 (12)  “to support”

U.S. Senator John Kennedy, Attorney General Jeff Landry and Congressman Garret Graves are a few GOP politicians that are suspected to run against current Democratic Governor John Bel Edwards. Stockley says at this point it appears Kennedy, Landry or Graves have a better chance at defeating Edwards in 2019…

Cut 11 (10) “disadvantage”

Abraham is a doctor, airplane pilot and former veterinarian. Stockley says it’s more common to see winning candidates from New Orleans, Lafayette or Baton Rouge. He says Abraham is very popular in north and central Louisiana, but…

Cut 12 (10) “southern Louisiana”

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A dozen juvenile whooping cranes have been released at the Rockefeller Wildlife Refuge as part of an ongoing effort to protect them from extinction. Biologist Sara Zimorski with Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries says they are joining eleven juveniles that were released a couple of weeks ago in Vermilion Parish…

Cut 13 (08) “72 birds.”

Whooping cranes are the tallest bird in North America, standing on average five feet tall.  Zimorski they are a beautiful bird to look at and fits in well with Louisiana because…

Cut 14 (12) “in 1950.”

In 1939, the last recorded whooping crane egg hatched in Louisiana until last year.  Zimorski says by letting them hatch in a controlled environment, helps them to get a larger population quicker…

Cut 15 (12) “in Louisiana.”

South Louisiana saw some snow Friday morning to the delight of residents. So how rare of an event is this? Don Molino reports…:

Cut 1 (27) “I’m Don Molino”

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It’s snowed in south Louisiana and everybody knows it as social media is flooded with videos of our winter wonderland. Michelle Southern has more…

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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South Louisiana saw some snow Friday morning to the delight of residents. So how rare of an event is this? State Climatologist Barry Keim says, believe it or not, we actually see white flakes more often than hurricanes. But for it to span nearly the entire bottom half of the state is very rare…:

Cut 3 (08) “south Louisiana”

More than six inches stuck in Kentwood, and snow covered the grass in Baton Rouge for the first time since December of 2009. So how does snow happen in Louisiana? Keim says it happens when there is cold Canadian air at the surface, but moist air coming in from the Gulf of Mexico…:

Cut 4  (11) “cold rain” 

Two to three inches of snow accumulated in Amite, and 2 inches of snow was measured on an elevated surface in Lake Charles. Keim says high temperatures throughout the state on Friday did not get out of the 30s for the entire day which is also very uncommon for Louisiana…:

Cut 5  (11)  “low 40s”

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Social media went crazy when south Louisiana actually got snow. Parents are posting videos of their kids playing in the white stuff for the first time ever. One man recorded his young son opening the door and discovering a winter wonderland in the Bayou State.

Cut 6 (12)  “woah.”

Grownups and kids made snow angels and built snowmen, and watched their pets try to figure out what was going on…:

Cut 7 (08)  “big ole flakes” 

Cajun Musician Jo-EL Sonnier added a video of him playing his accordion from the front porch of his house as snow was falling…:

Cut 8 (12) “Westlake, Louisiana to be exact”

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Motorists are advised to stay off the roads especially in southeast Louisiana.  Snow  and ice in some areas has made driving conditions treacherous in many areas.  Rodney Mallett with the Department of Transportation says crews are constantly working to make sure roads are open and clear when possible…:

Cut 9 (05)  “a lot.”

Mallett says even though it’s stopped snowing, that doesn’t mean it’s a good idea to be out and about…:

A cold Canadian air blast is lowering temperatures to below freezing throughout Louisiana tonight.  National Weather Service forecaster Michael Hill says the areas which got snow on the ground will see very low temperatures for a few evenings.:

Cut 12 (09) “the area.”

If we get some snow melt Friday and Saturday, what is left will refreeze again.  Hill says that means drivers need to be careful…:

Cut 13 (08)  “out there.”

A hard freeze warning will be in effect Friday night into Saturday morning for several areas including Baton Rouge, Lafayette, Lake Charles and New Orleans.  Hill says a warming trend will put temperatures closer to normal this weekend…

Cut 14 (07) “the 30s”

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The 2017 AllState Sugar Bowl Prep Classic wraps up with three more games. Starting at noon Saturday, John Curtis goes after its 26th state title when they face the Catholic High Bears from Baton Rouge. The Patriots will once again rely on its power running game. Legendary Coach JT Curtis on his Darryan Washington and Malik Wells…

Cut 15 (07) “you want”

At 3:30 PM, Lakeshore from St. Tammany makes its first ever appearance in the state championship game as they take on defending champion and top seed and the Karr Cougars. Lakeshore head coach Craig Jones…

Cut 16  (12)  “on offense”

And the final game of the Classic, it will be the Zachary Broncos and the Hahnville Tigers, which will be a large crowd from St. Charles Parish. The Tigers have the top running back in the state, Pooka Williams, who has put on a show in the postseason. Hahnville head coach Nick Saltaformaggio (SALT-tuh-for-mah-gee-oh) says watching at home or at the Dome will be impressed with Williams…

Cut 17 (12) “of talent”

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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U.S. House members approve conceal carry bill allowing permit holders to bring concealed weapons into other states.  Kelley Ray reports supporters say it will help people with good intentions to protect themselves…

Cut 2 (26) “I’m Kelley Ray”

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The National Retail Federation expects consumers will spend about 967 dollars a person on holiday shopping this Christmas. Don Molino has more…

Cut 3  (28) “I’m Don Molino”  

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With Christmas right around the corner, the Louisiana SPCA encourages people to give the gift of a home to a pet in need through adoption. Spokesperson Alicia Haefele says they’re offering a 50-dollar adoption special until December 23^rd. She says last year 222 animals found forever homes during the holiday season.

Cut 4  (10) “great match”

Haefele says for an additional donation of 75-dollars, you can surprise a loved one with an adopted animal by getting it hand delivered on Christmas Eve, Hanukah or Kwanzaa.

Cut 5  (10)  “deliver it”

Haefele says this service is available around the state. She says it’s important to make sure everyone adopting a pet understands it’s a life time commitment, not just a holiday gift.

Cut 6 (10) “brush it” 

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The U.S. House of Representatives have passed 231-to-198 the Concealed Carry Reciprocity  (Ress-per-ross-a-tee) Act to allow a person with a concealed carry permit issued in one state to carry a firearm in another state.  U.S. Congressman Mike Johnson says the Senate and hopefully the House are just reaffirming the rights of Americans with this bill…

Cut 7 (12)  “state lines.”

Johnson says by passing this bill, there will be less confusion as to which states allow concealed carry and those that don’t…

Cut 8 (11) “carry permit.”

Johnson says this will not keep people from getting weapons, but it will improve the likelihood that law abiding citizens will be able to be in possession of one to bring weapons to different states…

Cut 9 (10)  “good thing.”

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Louisiana Tech in Ruston has been granted 1.3 million dollars to enhance its cybersecurity programs. The money was awarded by the National Science Foundation. U.S. Congressman Ralph Abraham of Alto says LA Tech is a leader in training the next generation of professions that will be tasked with protecting our nation. He says this grant will help the university maintain cyber security among the 1-20 corridor.

Cut 10 (12)  “their goal”

Abraham says this field is something that’s very deficient in a number of college graduates. He says cyber security is an incredibly important mission.

Cut 11 (11) “the nation”

Louisiana Tech is the first university in the country to establish a Bachelor of Science in Cyber Engineering degree program. Abraham says Louisiana Tech is looking toward the future…

Cut 12 (08) “cyber security”

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The National Retail Federation predicts holiday shoppers will spend about 967 dollars a person on gifts this year, up 3.4-percent from in 2016. Mark Rosa, Professor with the UNO School of Business, says everybody gets excited during the season and wants to be generous but we have to resist the urge to overspend. He says it’s easy to put purchases on credit cards.

Cut 13 (09) “coming again”

Rosa says it’s important to create a budget before setting out to shop and make sure you stick to it. He says it’s very easy to wind up in debt after holiday shopping.

Cut 14 (10) “getting ahead”

Rosa says even though this is more holiday spending than years past, that doesn’t always make for a happy Christmas.

Cut 15 (07) “by finances”

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Tough night in Atlanta for the Saints who lost a hard fought game to the Atlanta Falcons 20-17. New Orleans had a chance to win it in the end, but quarterback Drew Brees pass into the end zone with 1:25 ended up in the hands of former LSU Tiger Deion Jones for an interception. Saints Head Coach Sean Payton was not hard on his team’s effort…

Cut 16  (11)  “hurt tonight”

There were six players who didn’t finish the game for the Saints, including rookie running back Alvin Kamara, who left the game with a concussion on the team’s first offensive drive. Quarterback Drew Brees blames Thursday night football….

Cut 17  (19)  “absolutely not”

The Saints were also hit with 11 penalties for 87 yards. Payton says it was a bizarre game…

Cut 18 (11) ” bounce back” 

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A Task Force has been established by Governor Edwards to review sexual harassment and discrimination policies in state agencies.  Michelle Southern has more…

Cut 1 (28) “I’m Michelle Southern.”

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North Louisiana is under a freeze warning and the Florida parishes could see snow by the morning. Emelie Gunn has more on these wintry conditions…

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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A Task Force has been established by Governor Edwards to review sexual harassment and discrimination policies in state agencies.  The seven member panel will be selected by Friday and they hope to hold their first meeting later this month.  The Governor’s Communications Director Shauna Sanford says they want to get guidelines in place due to the recent reports of sexual harassment…

Cut 3 (12) “important issue.”

Sanford says one of the items the task force will consider is if the current training program for new employees is effective…

Cut 4  (08) “more robust.” 

The task force will look at each agency to check for uniformity in the sexual harassment policy.  Sanford says they want to make sure that all employees know the procedures in reporting if they suspect are the victim of harassment…

Cut 5  (10)  “is completed..”

The task force will report back to the governor by March 1^st.

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There’s a lot of talk of wintry mix tomorrow morning and Alek Krautmann with the National Weather Service in Slidell says the Florida Parishes are in for some rain tonight transitioning into sleet and possibly snow by morning. He says we’ll see temperatures in the low 40s throughout today…

Cut 6 (10)  “continues.”

Schools in Lafayette and West Feliciana have already announced closures for tomorrow. Krautmann says there is a winter weather advisory for the Greater Baton Rouge and Northshore areas. He says we’ll have cold temperatures over the weekend but will be dry and clear.

Cut 7 (06)  “northern areas” 

Most of north Louisiana is under a freeze warning tonight. Meteorologist for the National Weather Service in Shreveport Davyon Hill says temperatures could be as low as the mid 20s in some areas. He says they aren’t expecting much freezing rain.

Cut 8 (09) “of us”

Hill says they aren’t anticipating any icy roads in norther parishes. He says it’s important for people to remember the four Ps, plants, pipes, people and pets when freezing temperatures arrive.

Cut 9 (07)  “like that”

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The reward for information on the death of a St. Tammany Parish Fire Chief’s wife has been increased to ten-thousand-dollars. Nanette Krentel, the wife of Fire District No. 12 Chief Stephen Krentel, was thought to have died when the couple’s house burned down, but her death was later ruled a homicide. Nanette’s father, Dan Watson, is frustrated with the process.:

An autopsy revealed Krentel died as the result of a gunshot wound to the head. Watson says he hopes the added incentive and the anonymity Crimestoppers provides will bring forth some useful information so that this doesn’t become a cold case. He says the investigation itself has been messed up from the beginning…:

Watson says he knows Nanette was fearful of her husband’s brother because he had threatened her. He says he knew his daughter kept handguns, and stayed at home quite a bit…:

Cut 12 (09) “a lot of stress”

Anyone with information on Nanette’s death can call Crimestoppers and submit an anonymous tip.

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One of the main concerns when we start to see wintry weather like this for the first time of the season is the roadways. Department of Transportation spokesman Rodney Mallett says even today as the bottom half of the state is dealing with constant rain, they keep seeing a trend of rear end crashes and side-swiping because people aren’t paying attention…:

Cut 13 (09)  “car in front of you”

Mallett says they are keeping an eye on the weather, and their goal is to keep the main roads open unless they absolutely have to be closed. He encourages motorists to check the site 511la.org for updated road information:

Cut 14 (12) “from our scouts”

Ag Commissioner Mike Strain is urging winter weather preps for livestock and pets. He says make sure cattle has plenty of hay, feed and water, and make sure to check water troughs as they can cover with ice…:

Cut 15 (12) “heat lamps”

He says if possible, keep companion animals inside, or at the very least make sure a dry shelter is available and have a warm blanket for your pet.

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Cut 1 (27) “I’m Emelie Gunn.”

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A 10-million dollar rehab facility is set to open around the first of the year in Abita Springs. Jeff Palermo reports the C-E-O of Longbranch Recovery Center says it’s the largest investment in an addiction treatment facility in the state’s history…

Cut 2 (29) “I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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There are reports Smoothie King is looking to moving its corporate headquarters from Louisiana to Texas.  Kelley Ray has more…

Cut 3  (25) “I’m Kelley Ray”  

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Both the U.S. House and Senate have approved separate tax reform bills and will now come together in a committee to iron out the differences. U.S. Representative Clay Higgins of St. Landry Parish says the economy will sky rocket once they pass a bill that cuts corporate and personal income taxes….

Cut 4  (06) “a win”

Once the committee agrees on a tax reform plan, the House and Senate will have to pass it. Higgins says he’s confident the president will sign the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act before the end of the year. He says the U.S. hasn’t seen this type of economic stimulation in decades.

Cut 5  (08)  “voted for”

This would be Congress’ first rewrite of the tax code in nearly 30 years. The Senate’s bill would eliminate the requirement for individuals without health insurance to pay a penalty. Higgins supports that provision. He says this legislation can only benefit the United States…

Cut 6 (11) “increasing” 

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A new addiction treatment center is opening on the Northshore.  The ten-million-dollar Longbranch Recovery Center will open around the first of the year in Abita Springs.  Longbranch Healthcare CEO Chris McMahon, sober for 17 years, says he wants to do his part in helping those who need it the most…

Cut 7 (10)  “a problem.”

McMahon says there is a huge need for addiction treatment in Louisiana.  It has been found that treating the symptoms of addiction is more successful for the patient…

Cut 8 (12) “of addiction.”

McMahon says the location of the facility was as important as treating the patient.  He says the former Longbranch Hotel in Abita Springs is a now a 32-bed facility that will be able to house patients during 30 to 90 day treatment programs…

Cut 9 (11)  “and welcome.”

An outpatient program is also opening in Old Metairie. For more information go to longbranchhealthcare.com.

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There are reports Smoothie King is looking at moving its corporate headquarters from Metairie to Texas. A five-year deal between Louisiana and the fruit drink maker expires at the end of the year. Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Don Pierson has spoken with Smoothie King…

Cut 10 (12)  “a business.”

Pierson says if they are planning on leaving the state, it would leave about 60 employees out of work…

Cut 11 (06) “manufacturing operation.”

Under the deal set to expire, the state pays Smoothie King hundreds of thousands of dollars in incentives. Pierson says Louisiana Economic Development will work with Smoothie King to explore all options for them to remain in the state…

Cut 12 (07) “excellent outcome.”

Smoothie King is in the third year of a ten-year naming rights agreement to the home of the New Orleans Pelicans.  At the time, owner Wan Kim said the deal  allows the company to show its commitment to New Orleans.

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After a third consecutive losing season, UL Lafayette has fired head coach Mark Hudspeth. Athletic Director Bryan Maggard informed Hudspeth of his decision Sunday morning following the team’s 63-14 loss to Appalachian State…

Cut 13 (10) “our program”

Hudspeth directed the school to four straight New Orleans Bowl titles from 2011 to 2014, but because of NCAA sanctions, UL Lafayette was forced to forfeit 22 victories, including two bowl wins. Maggard says the next head coach needs to recruit Louisiana well and must be a proven winner

Cut 14 (10) “win championships”

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For the second straight year, LSU is headed to the Citrus Bowl in Orlando and this year they’ll play Notre Dame. Last year the Tigers trounced Louisville 29-9 on New Year’s Eve. This year’s game will be played on New Year’s Day at noon in Camping World Stadium. LSU Coach Ed Orgeron is excited…

Cut 15 (09) “matchup”

Notre Dame is 9-3 and led offensively by Josh Adams one of the nation’s top running backs. He’s rushed for over 13-hundred yards and seven yards a carry. Two times this season, the junior has rushed for over 200 yards in a game. Orgeron says he’ll get to know Adams over the next month…

Cut 16  (11)  “ought to be”

It’s rare for a team to go to the same bowl game game in consecutive years. Florida Citrus Sports CEO Steve Hogan says they have ways to make the experience different for the players…

Cut 17  (09)  “multiple parks.”

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The Saints regained control of the NFC South with a convincing 31-21 win over the Carolina Panthers. The Atlanta Falcons also lost, so now New Orleans has a one-game lead over the Panthers and a two-game lead over the Dirty Birds for the division lead. Quarterback Drew Brees threw for 269 yards and one touchdown in the victory

Cut 18 (18) “front of us” 

Rookie Alvin Kamara had another big game, 66 yards receiving on five catches and he also carried the ball nine times for 60 yards and had two rushing touchdowns. Kamara scored the game’s first touchdown when the Saints went for it on fourth and goal on the two-yard line. Brees says the decision to go for it on fourth down showed they were there to win

Cut 19 (15)    be agressive”

The Saints are 9-3 heading into a Thursday night showdown with the Falcons. Brees is glad they got the win over the Panthers, but there’s still room to improve…

cut 20 (17)  those things”