There’s an extra special bonfire to be lit this Christmas Eve along the Mississippi River levee in St. John Parish that’s getting national attention. Matt Doyle Reports…:

Cut 1 (31) “Matt Doyle”

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Much colder weather is arriving in time for Christmas.  Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (29) “I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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There’s an extra special bonfire to be lit this Christmas Eve along the Mississippi River levee in St. John Parish that’s getting national attention. It’s a massive alligator snapping turtle that actually moves. It was created by Josh Weidert of Garyville and his crew, “Blood Sweat and Bonfires.” He says they’ve been working on the bonfire a few months…:

Cut 3 (06) “cut logs.”

Dozens of bonfire structures are lit every year on December 24th, to light the way for the Cajun Santa: Papa Noel. Weidert says they try to get more and more creative with their bonfires every year, but the 22 foot long, 7 feet tall turtle was inspired by drones that fly over the levees and take pictures and videos from every angle:

Cut 4  (09) “ingenuity.” 

Weidert, who says he’s been building bonfires since he was 11-years-old, says the tradition has been a long standing one in his family. He says it was fascinating as a kid to watch the the smoke and fog fill the river and watch out for Papa Noel…:

Cut 5  (12)  “jungle juice.”

The lighting starts in St. John and St. James Parishes Christmas eve at 7pm.

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It will feel a lot like Christmas as a cold front will bring more seasonable temperatures to Louisiana.  After experiencing highs near 80 in parts of the state, state Climatologist Barry Keim says a strong cold front will usher in colder air starting Saturday…

Cut 6 (10)  “and 60s.”

Keim says Saturday won’t be the coldest day.  Keim says frigid temperatures are in store for Christmas Eve night on into Christmas Day…

Cut 7 (11)  “mid 50s.”

No White Christmas is in store for the Bayou State, but Keim says there is a slight chance we could see spotty severe weather…

Cut 8 (08) “marginal risk.”

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Governor John Bel Edwards is wishing residents across the state a very Merry Christmas…:

Cut 9 (09)  “of Louisiana”

Edwards released a statement about the latest unemployment number ahead of the holiday weekend; noting that the last time it was just 4.7 percent was in May of 2008. He says this is great news heading into 2018 where he’s optimistic about seeing compromise on the state’s budget woes…:

A new poll gives Governor John Bel Edwards his highest approval rating since taking office in January of 2016. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 1 (26) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Tax reform is in, and that means big changes to the way Louisianans file taxes.  Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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A Southern Media and Opinion Research poll finds Governor John Bel Edwards has his highest approval numbers since taking office nearly two years ago at 65-percent. It eclipses his previous high of 63-percent and is higher than the 54-percent approval rating in May. Pollster Bernie Pinsonat says timing is everything in politics…

Cut 3 (10) “and taxes.”

His approval rating is higher than other statewide elected officials.  Senators John Kennedy and Bill Cassidy received 51 and 45 percent respectively and Congressman Steve Scalise got a 55-percent approval rating.  Pinsonat says it helps Edwards is away from the political division that’s happening in Washington D-C…

Cut 4  (09) “perfect time.” 

Governor Edwards is grateful for the trust the voters have placed in him.  He says the first two years have seen it’s share of challenges with the budget, the 2016 floods and the recent audit of former State Police leader Mike Edmonson, but he is looking forward to the future…

Cut 5  (07)  “in 2019.”

Edwards hopes his high poll numbers will help him get his agenda accomplished…

Cut 6 (08)  “against you.”

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Nearly 64,000 Americans died last year from drug overdoses, leading to a decline in life expectancy for the second year in a row, according to the CDC. Health officials say the decrease is a result of the exploding opioid epidemic, and President and CEO of the Addiction Policy Forum, Jessica Hulsey Nickel, says the number of addicted Americans is growing…

Cut 7 (07)  “that they need.”

Nickel says many young adults are dying from drug overdoses, and has caused to life expectancy rate to shrink…

Cut 8 (03) “every single day.”

Nickel says the crisis has been building for years, and the country is failing to address it…

Cut 9 (11)  “our patients”

According to the World Health Organization, The United states now ranks below several dozen other countries in average life expectancy.

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Congress’s 1.5 trillion dollar tax overhaul has many wondering how this will impact their finances. The wholesale changes touch everything from investment returns to charitable donations, and radically alters tax season for most Louisianans. Baton Rouge area CPA Brandon Lagarde says the bill should lower taxes for most in the state…

The federal tax reform bill means fans can no longer deduct the donations they make for the right to purchase season tickets for college athletics. Kelley Ray looks at what it means for LSU…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Kelley Ray.”

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Governor John Bel Edwards defends the living arrangements of the former State Police leader who is accused of legal wrongdoing in a state audit. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle.”

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The LSU football team added much needed depth on its defensive line on the first day of the early signing period. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Lottery tickets may seem like a great Christmas gift with adults buying them for  children as stocking stuffers. But Quinetta Womack, director of Problem Gambling Services, says several Louisiana youths are already being indoctrinated down a path to problem gambling…

Cut 4  (07) “that nature.” 

In the lone chance that your child may “win” with a scratch off ticket, Womack says it gives the juvenile a false sense of dreams and ideas that can lead to gambling addiction, because in reality…

Cut 5  (06)  “of winning.”

Womack says it’s much better to give a child a gift that will promote their creativity, based on real values…

Cut 6 (09)  “healthy choices.”

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A Southern Media and Opinion Research poll finds only 19 percent of registered Louisiana voters believe their taxes will decrease with the passage of the Republican tax reform bill.  Pollster Bernie Pinsonat says Republicans say the average wage earner will see more money, but taxpayers are skeptical…

Cut 7 (09)  “of rhetoric.”

According to the survey of 500 likely Louisiana voters, 42-percent of respondents believe their taxes will increase. Pinsonat says the massive tax reform legislation will have a major impact on next year’s federal mid-term elections…

Cut 8 (12) “become popular.”

A majority of black Democrats and white Democrats and a near majority of low income voters think their taxes will increase. Pinsonat says the answers from these voters are clearly perception…

Cut 9 (05)  “of it.”

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The head of the Tiger Athletic Foundation is waiting to see what kind of impact the federal tax reform legislation will have on college athletics. TAF President Rick Perry says LSU season ticket sales for their major sports could be impacted since fans will no longer be able to deduct 80 percent of their donations to the athletic program for the right to buy season tickets…

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Governor John Bel Edwards addressed two controversies involving former members of his administration. A legislative audit accuses former State Police Superintendent Mike Edmonson of abusing his power and possible illegal activity, but Edwards defends his living arrangement at state police headquarters.

Cut 13 (07)  “state police.”

Edwards says the agreement to allow Edmonson to live on state property began in the Jindal administration. However, the governor says that other findings revealed by both the State Police Internal Affairs and a legislative audit revealed troubling behavior.

Cut 14 (09) “improper.”

Edwards former aide, Johnny Anderson, recently resigned over sexual harassment allegations. Edwards says the issue was handled swiftly.

Cut 15  (09)  “the spot”.

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LSU has beefed up its offensive and defensive lines by signing ten linemen on the first day of the early signing period. The Tigers inked five defensive tackles and four offensive linemen, including the number one o-line junior college prospect in Badara Traore and Cole Smith one of the country’s top centers. Head Coach Ed Orgeron says Smith is from Pontotoc High School in Mississippi…

Cut 16 (16) “is a Tiger”

Orgeron is impressed with the big defensive tackles they signed…

Cut 17 (17) “we got em”

Ten of LSU’s 18 signees are from Louisiana, including six-foot-one defensive tackle Davin Cotton from Evangel Christian Academy in Shreveport. Orgeron says Cotton has great upper body strength and an explosive first step to shed blockers…

Cut 18 (12) “defensive linemen”

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A vet is under arrest for shockingly killing a dog.  Kelley Ray has more on this troubling incident…

Cut 1 (29) “I’m Kelley Ray.”

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Governor John Bel Edwards held his last press conference of the year, where he addressed concerns about the looming fiscal cliff. Matt Doyle has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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U-S Senator Bill Cassidy says the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act approved by Congress does more than just cut taxes for working families. Cassidy says the legislation also allows victims of last year’s floods in North and South Louisiana to deduct all of their personal casualty losses from their taxable income, which could means thousands of dollars…

Cut 3 (08) “recovery costs”

Cassidy says the bill also preserves the Historical Tax Credit, which since 2002 has helped facilitate nearly 800 reconstruction projects…

Cut 4  (06) “38,000 jobs” 

Cassidy says the tax reform legislation also creates nearly 100-million in additional funding for coastal restoration projects in Louisiana…

Cut 5  (08)  “coastal erosion”

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A River Ridge vet has been arrested for allegedly shooting and killing her neighbor’s dog, because of excessive barking. Jefferson Parish Sheriff Joe Lopinto says 35-year-old Kelly Folse shot “Bruiser” last week and the dog died the following day. Lopinto says Folse has not been happy with the barking dog for awhile…

Cut 6 (10)  “with it.”

Lopinto says his department is used to protecting individuals, but this bizarre case shows that protection at times can extend to include protecting animals…

Cut 7 (06)  “the top.”

Lopinto says he can’t believe such a person who is supposed to take care of animals would go to this length to silence an animal she was aggravated with…

Cut 8 (10) “techs do.”

Lopinto says felony charges are expected to be filed against Folse.  She was terminated from Abadie Veterinarian Hospital following her arrest.

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Governor John Bel Edwards plans on having February special session to address the looming fiscal cliff, but only if there is an agreement with house Republican leaders on a plan to address the one billion dollar shortfall. The governor set a January 19^th deadline for the agreement

Cut 9 (07)  “healthcare”

Edwards has already provided several suggestions to creating revenue to replace the loss of a temporary one cent sales tax that’s set to expire on June 30^th. The governor is proposing to make changes to income tax brackets and the elimination of tax breaks that benefit businesses

Governor Edwards plans to call a special session in February to tackle the fiscal cliff.  Kelley Ray gets reaction form the head of the House Republican Delegation…

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Kelley Ray.”

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A Report from the University of Kansas showed 7% decrease in the use of ambulances in cities that have the ride service Uber. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 2 (26) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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Governor Edwards revealed his plan to help cover a one-billion-dollar deficit. It includes taxing services such as cable TV, but also reducing the state sales tax from five to four percent. Edwards plans on calling a special session in February to consider his tax proposals.  Alexandria Representative Lance Harris says the House Republican delegation is still discussing the best options to address the fiscal cliff…

Cut 3 (08) “the floor.”

Other recommendations from the governor include businesses paying higher sales taxes on utilities and changes to individual income tax brackets. Harris is non-committal on these plans, but they are worthy of discussion…

Cut 4  (07) “February.” 

Harris says right now they know one-point-one billion dollars in tax revenues will be going away on July 1^st, but the deficit could be lowered based on the tax reform package that Congress is set to approve…

Cut 5  (06)  “million dollars.”

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A university of Kansas finds Uber customers are increasingly using the ride service for trips to the emergency room, instead of an ambulance. Chief of Emergency Medicine at LSU Health New Orleans, Dr. Keith Van Meter, sympathizes with a desire to save money, but warns there are some things an Uber can’t do.

Cut 6 (10)  “a triage”

Van Meter says sometimes people feel their illness is not that significant, and all they needs is an uber to get to the hospital, but that could be a mistake…

Cut 7 (11)  “have oxygen”

Despite some concerns Van Meter says that he sees some potential in the idea…

Cut 8 (06) “Hospital Faster”

The study showed ambulance use has declined 7% in cities with Uber.

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Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness Director James Waskom says they plan to work towards having the state officially partner with the Cajun Navy for future disasters. He told the Baton Rouge Press Club they are working on legislation that would establish some type of credibility for the citizen groups…

Cut 9 (10)  “interest in”

Waskom says it would be beneficial for GOHSEP to know who these people are, and where they are being dispatched to rescue people during an emergency..:

Cut 12 (11) “six months old”

Chadwick says further investigation revealed that the couple had left their child alone for at least an hour while she was three months old…

Cut 13 (06)  “to work”

Chadwick says Sepulvado was charged with cruelty after learning how the child got her bruises…

Cut 14 (07) “her diaper”

The child is now in protective services.

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The U-S House approves a one-point-five trillion dollar tax package that supporters say will provide tax relief for working families, but opponents say only the rich will see tax breaks. House Majority Whip Steve Scalise of Louisiana says on average, families will see over two-thousand dollars more in their paychecks every year…

Cut 15 (06) “tuition account”

Louisiana’s GOP Congressional delegation voted for the tax bill, while New Orleans Democrat Cedric Richmond voted against it. Richmond says this legislation will only give tax breaks to the top one-percent of income earners. Scalise disagrees and says the measure also simplifies the tax code…

Cut 16  (07)  “makes the code”

If your children are wanting to make sure Christmas gifts get to your loved ones and on time, Matt Doyle says make sure they are properly addressed and packaged.

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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Governor Edwards gave an update today on the state’s looming $1 billion dollar fiscal cliff, and outlined his proposals. Michelle Southern reports…:

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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Time is running out to make sure your Christmas packages sent through the U.S. Postal Service get there on time.  Some 15 billion pieces will be sent between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day.  U.S. Postal Service spokesperson Twana Barber says this week is the busiest for them…

Cut 3 (11) “the 24th..”

The postal service will have their hands full literally today.  Barber says December 18^th is the busiest day they see during the holiday season…

Cut 4  (09) “postal service.” 

First class mail needs to be sent by tomorrow, Priority Mail by Wednesday and Priority Express by Friday. Barber says they are seeing about a ten percent increase in the volume of mail being sent this year…

Cut 5  (11)  “be delivered.”

Three-billion greeting cards are also expected to be sent over the entire holiday period.

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Hammond Representative Chris Broadwater announced his resignation earlier today after six years in the state house. He says he’s looking forward to spending more time with his family.

Cut 6 (07)  “home more”

Broadwater says the decision was not influenced by any budding scandals, and that he felt the time was right for him to leave the legislature.

Cut 7 (07)  “job i did”

Broadwater, a republican, says hes proud of his bipartisan reputation.

Cut 8 (09) “my constituents.”

His resignation means a special election will be due for district 86, which includes most of Hammond and parts of Tangipahoa parish.

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A 2.8 billion dollar deal was sealed today, and that means new ownership at some of the state’s most prominent casinos. Penn National Gaming purchased Pinnacle Entertainment, which operates the L’auberge in Baton Rouge and Lake Charles, and Boomtown in New Orleans and Bossier City. Wade Duty of the Casino Association of Louisiana says the buyout will not  lead to big changes for players.

Cut 9 (07)  “the players”

Duty says the four Louisiana casinos involved in the sale are just part of the transactions that occur between large casino companies.

Cut 12 (08) “and go away”

The governor says he plans to unveil a budget proposal on January 19th, but it will include $1 billion in cuts to fill the gap, since no decision on tax reform will be made until an anticipated February special session. He says nobody will like the reductions they see…:

Cut 13 (10)  “we have to fix the problem”

About a billion dollars in temporary taxes will fall off the books June 30th, which is causing the fiscal cliff. Edwards says next month they will also present a separate document that will outline how government could be funded if legislators agree on how to close the gap. He says he will not call a special session in February, if lawmakers are unwilling to work towards a solution..

Cut 14 (10) “of calling one”

The Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office has reopened a 1980 cold case where 15-year-old Mary Darlene Howard was found murdered in Leesville. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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An environmental group is peacefully protesting a proposed 162-mile gas pipeline in south Louisiana.  Kelley Ray has more..

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Kelley Ray”

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A college prep school in St. Martin Parish produces another video of a student learning he’s been accepted to an Ivy League School. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo .”

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The Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office is asking the public for help finding Mary Darlene Howard’s killer, 37 years later. Sheriff Sam Craft says 15-year-old Mary was found dead April 27^th 1980 in the woods in Leesville close to Fort Polk. He says the initial investigation did not result in an arrest.

Cut 4  (11) “come in” 

Craft says investigators continue to follow up on these leads and encourage anyone who might remember something about this case to contact the Sheriff’s department. He also hopes to get in contact with Howard’s family.

Cut 5  (11)  “with it”

Craft says in the coming months, they will also reopen other cold cases in Vernon Parish. He says his department is corresponding with the crime lab in Lake Charles to help crack Mary Howard’s cold case.

Cut 6 (09)  “technology.”

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An LSU Ag Center researcher believes he’s made a breakthrough when it comes to combating chronic wasting disease, mad cow disease and C-J-D, which is found in one-eighth of Alzheimer’s patients.  Dr. Frank Bastain has developed a way to grow a bacteria that causes these diseases which makes it possible to develop tests and vaccines for them…

Cut 7 (10)  “and animals.”

Bastian says he hopes to begin working on a vaccine that could potentially cure the disease, especially in humans suffering from C-J-D.  It develops in persons between 40 and 80 years old and ninety percent of those infected die with a few weeks to a year…

Cut 8 (08) “year disease.”

Bastain says this research is important for deer hunters since they have no way to determine if a deer is ill with chronic wasting disease…

Cut 9 (06)  “consume it.”

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The Louisiana Bucket Brigade plans to put their bodies in the way of a proposed pipeline that would stretch across south Louisiana. Energy Transfer Partners only needs a couple of permits before they can start construction on the Bayou Bridge Pipeline. Bucket Brigade Director Anne Rolfes says they will resist non-violently…

Cut 12 (12) “rouge company.”

Energy Transfer Partners says they will restore any wetlands that are damaged by the construction of the pipeline. Governor Edwards hasn’t given any indication he will stop the construction.

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It wasn’t the Saints best game, but New Orleans still pulled off a 31-19 victory over the New York Jets. Mark Ingram rushed for two touchdowns and had 151 yards from scrimmage. Second-year wide receiver Michael Thomas also had a big game with 9 catches for 93 yards and a touchdown. But Coach Sean Payton was not happy with the rest of his offense…

Cut 13 (09)  “better compeition”

The Saints turned it over three times on the afternoon, but still improve to 10-4 on the season. New Orleans remains in a tie for first place in the NFC South, because Carolina also beat Green Bay. Payton hopes his team wasn’t score board watching…

Cut 14 (12) “we have to.”

Quarterback Drew Brees threw for 285 yards and two touchdowns. But Brees, who also threw an interception, not happy about the team’s three turnovers…

Cut 15 (08) “but I’m hoping not”

The Saints scored on their first three possessions, but didn’t score just 14 points the rest of the way. Brees on the struggles on offense after a quick start…

Cut 16  (08)  “to it”

The Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office has reopened a 1980 cold case where 15-year-old Mary Darlene Howard was found murdered in Leesville. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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An environmental group is peacefully protesting a proposed 162-mile gas pipeline in south Louisiana.  Kelley Ray has more..

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Kelley Ray”

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A college prep school in St. Martin Parish produces another video of a student learning he’s been accepted to an Ivy League School. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo .”

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The Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office is asking the public for help finding Mary Darlene Howard’s killer, 37 years later. Sheriff Sam Craft says 15-year-old Mary was found dead April 27^th 1980 in the woods in Leesville close to Fort Polk. He says the initial investigation did not result in an arrest.

Cut 4  (11) “come in” 

Craft says investigators continue to follow up on these leads and encourage anyone who might remember something about this case to contact the Sheriff’s department. He also hopes to get in contact with Howard’s family.

Cut 5  (11)  “with it”

Craft says in the coming months, they will also reopen other cold cases in Vernon Parish. He says his department is corresponding with the crime lab in Lake Charles to help crack Mary Howard’s cold case.

Cut 6 (09)  “technology.”

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An LSU Ag Center researcher believes he’s made a breakthrough when it comes to combating chronic wasting disease, mad cow disease and C-J-D, which is found in one-eighth of Alzheimer’s patients.  Dr. Frank Bastain has developed a way to grow a bacteria that causes these diseases which makes it possible to develop tests and vaccines for them…

Cut 7 (10)  “and animals.”

Bastian says he hopes to begin working on a vaccine that could potentially cure the disease, especially in humans suffering from C-J-D.  It develops in persons between 40 and 80 years old and ninety percent of those infected die with a few weeks to a year…

Cut 8 (08) “year disease.”

Bastain says this research is important for deer hunters since they have no way to determine if a deer is ill with chronic wasting disease…

Cut 9 (06)  “consume it.”

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The Louisiana Bucket Brigade plans to put their bodies in the way of a proposed pipeline that would stretch across south Louisiana. Energy Transfer Partners only needs a couple of permits before they can start construction on the Bayou Bridge Pipeline. Bucket Brigade Director Anne Rolfes says they will resist non-violently…

Cut 12 (12) “rouge company.”

Energy Transfer Partners says they will restore any wetlands that are damaged by the construction of the pipeline. Governor Edwards hasn’t given any indication he will stop the construction.

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”