More the 351-thousand Louisianans are now enrolled in Medicaid as part of the expanded healthcare program, according to the Louisiana Department of Health. Emelie Gunn has more…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Bayou Country Superfest has announced the lineup for their first show in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Michelle Southern has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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A bill co-authored by US Senator Bill Cassidy that seeks to reform mental healthcare has passed the US House and could receive Senate approval next week. Cassidy says this legislation is two years in the making, with the goal of making sure patients are not denied care. He says the bill should foster more mental health professionals, as well as create more outpatient treatment settings.

Cut 3 (11) “behavioral healthcare”

Cassidy says someone with mental illness dies 20 years younger than someone without it because physical health problems aren’t addressed. In his bill, the same day rule allows someone to be seen by a psychiatrist and physical health doctor on the same day. He adds there’s three times more mentally ill people in prisons than hospitals.

cut 4  (10) “often end”

Cassidy says some privacy laws inhibit communication between mental health providers and in-home care givers. He says the bill also establishes a Grant program focused on intensive early intervention for children who demonstrate signs of mental illness.

Cut 5  (09)  “early age”

The bill also provides for suicide prevention and substance abuse programs.

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More than 86-hundred Louisiana residents are receiving care for chronic conditions under the expansion of Medicaid. That’s according to the Louisiana Department of Health, who says enrollment has surpassed 351-thousand individuals. LDH Secretary Dr. Rebekah Gee says many people are now getting healthcare they weren’t receiving while uninsured.

Cut 6 (10) “breast cancer”

Gee says treatment has started for nearly 600 adults newly diagnosed with diabetes and over 3-thousand adults received colonoscopies and 786 patients had precancerous polyps removed. She says the Medicaid expansion should lead to better health outcomes for working citizens who were previously uninsured.

CUT 7 (09)  “healthcare”

Gee says they are still unclear with will happen with the expanded Medicaid program when President-elect Trump takes office. She says if the expansion were to be repealed, Louisiana would lose 4 billion dollars and thousands would be uninsured.

Cut 8 (11) “different reality”

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The Cajundome will host its first event tonight since completing a 22-million dollar renovation, as the Ragin’ Cajuns basketball team will take on Nicholls State tonight. Cajundome Director Greg Davis believes people will be impressed with the updates.

Cut 9 (10)  “basketball court” 2x

Davis expects the renovated dome will help them recruit better basketball players. He says they’ll also be at an advantage competing for big name acts, adding that they are still able to host events like monster truck shows, ice hockey games, and circuses.

Cut 10 (11) “live entertainment”

Davis says the flow of the facility has also been updated to give patrons easier access to restrooms. He adds that the overall experience in the Cajundome has been greatly enhanced.

cut 11 (11) “been renovated” 2x

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The lineup for next year’s Bayou Country Superfest over the Memorial Day weekend has just been announced, featuring super stars Blake Shelton, Miranda Lambert, Brooks & Dunn, Rascal Flatts, Thomas Rhett, and Hank Williams Jr. Producer Quint Davis says it’s all new again because it’s coming to New Orleans for the first time.

cut 12 (10) “country music”

Davis says they’re doing it big this year with 6 acts a night, instead of 5, and three headliners each night. He says it will be interesting to see how Blake Shelton and Miranda Lambert interact over the Memorial Day weekend, since the two divorced last year.

Cut 13 (08) “about that”

The 3-day festival was moved to the Superdome after LSU could not host the fest in its usual venue, Tiger Stadium, due to renovations. Davis expects the festival to have a huge impact on tourism in New Orleans.

cut 14 (08) “holiday weekend”

Democrat Foster Campbell is making a hard push in the final days before the runoff, as the US Senate candidate has raised $2.5 million for his campaign in just one month. Jeff Palermo has more…

CUT 1 (26) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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The Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office is investigating the case of a 51-year-old Air force Veteran who is accused of raping several foster children in his care spanning several years. Michelle Southern reports..:

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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The Feral Hog Management Task Force meets today to discuss ways to control the wild hog population in Louisiana. Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Veterinarian Dr. Jim LaCour says it’s a big problem in the state.

Cut 3 (08) “their properties”

The taskforce was created during the 2016 regular legislative session and is comprised of 11 members from different departments.  LaCour says current methods to control feral hogs are just not working. He says the goal of the taskforce is to discuss best methods of control.

cut 4  (09) “of thing”

The LSU Ag Center estimates there are over half a million, or as many as 700-thousand feral hogs in the state. LaCour says the legislature has dedicated 360-thousand dollars towards the problem…

Cut 5  (11)  “for control”

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Today is the last day of the 2016 Atlantic Hurricane Season which was the first one considered “above-normal” for the first time since 2012. This year, there were 15 named storms, including 7 hurricanes – 3 of which were major. NOAA’s lead hurricane forecaster, Gerry Bell, says there were several factors which lead to the active season…:

Cut 6 (09) “wind shear”

Five named storms made landfall in the US during 2016, the most since 2008 when 6 storms hit. Hermine was the first hurricane to make landfall in Florida since Wilma in 2005. Bell says the reason the Gulf was spared for the most part this year is because the storms formed over the tropical Atlantic which tend not to track this way…:

CUT 7 (08)  “the Gulf”

Bell says that he can’t stress enough to the millions and millions of coastal residents the importance of being prepared every year for hurricane season…:

Cut 8 (07) “a lot of people”

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Democratic US Senate candidate Foster Campbell says he’s raised $2.5 million in campaign funds in the last month, but will dollars be enough to secure a victory? Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says while Campbell has raised a decent amount of money, the Democrat’s biggest hurdle is trying to win a statewide election in a red state.

Cut 9 (08)  “bigger problem”

Campbell has made it clear that a majority of his campaign donations have come from individuals, not political action committees. But Pinsonat says voters don’t care about the money, they vote based on candidate’s platforms.

Cut 10 (08) “to Washington”

Pinsonat expects Campbell will use the nearly $1.5 million he has on hand to hit the airwaves hard in the last few days before the runoff. He says Campbell will likely run ads that depict Kennedy as the candidate for elitists and big corporations, but it’s unlikely it will be enough for a win.

cut 11 (10) “big win”

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A Bossier Parish Air Force veteran is behind bars, accused of raping and sexually exploiting young boys in his foster care. Lt. Bill Davis with Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office says 51-year-old Terral Parfait was arrested after one of his victims came forward.

cut 12 (10) “seven years”

Davis says Parfait lives alone and has been a foster parent for quite some time. He says so far, Parfait has been charged with three counts of 1^st degree rape.

Cut 13 (09) “foster care”

Davis says hundreds of floppy disks, flash drives, VHS, and DVDs were also seized from the suspect’s home where they found images of known child pornography produced of the boys that were in his care. He encourages parents to come forward who know their children have been in foster care with Parfait or have had any interaction with him at all…:

cut 14 (11) “be victims”

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A Baton Rouge college student is under arrest for murdering and dismembering his parents in Tennessee. Knox County Sheriff Major Michael MaClean says 29-year-old Joel Michael Guy Junior went home for the Thanksgiving weekend and viciously stabbed his parents and tried to cover the crime up….

Cut 15 (08) “destroy evidence”

Guy was arrested last night in Baton Rouge at his apartment on Nicholson Drive. MaClean says they believe he turned violent during an argument about money….

Cut 16  (09)  “financial support”

It’s unclear which college Guy was attending. LSU says they have no record of him attending classes on their campus.

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Walgreens now provides an over the counter opioid antidote. Jeff Palermo has more…

CUT 1 (29) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center is looking for people to take part in a groundbreaking study that looks at ways to prevent Alzheimer’s disease. Emelie Gunn reports…:

Cut 2 (29) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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How realistic are metal detectors along Bourbon Street in New Orleans? Don Molino has more…

Cut 3 (29) “I’m Don Molino”

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Walgreens Pharmacy has made Naloxone, an opioid antidote, available over the counter in Louisiana. LSU Health New Orleans Professor of Psychiatry James Becnel says there is an opioid overdose every 18 hours in Louisiana. He says not only addicts, but anyone who has an opioid prescription for more than two weeks should purchase naloxone.

cut 4  (08) “health status”

Becnel says the response from EMS is usually not quick enough, so having naloxone on hand could save someone from dying of an overdose.

Cut 5  (10)  “back up”

The price of Naloxone varies, with the easiest method of a nasal spray costing around 65 dollars. Becnel hopes more pharmacies will make this available…

Cut 6 (10) “treat it”

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The AARP Foundation announces one million dollars in donations are being used to assist older individuals impacted by the devastating August flood. Director of AARP Louisiana, Denise Bottcher, says the money went to 16 non-profit organizations who are assisting in the rebuilding efforts. Bottcher says over 74-hundred donors provided money to help older flood victims get back in their homes….

CUT 7 (07)  “later date”

Governor John Bel Edwards says seeing the homes rebuilt with the money raised by AARP is inspiring. He says this donation is a blessing, because many senior citizen flood victims are on fixed incomes…

Cut 8 (10) “their lives”

Edwards travels to Washington D.C. today to lobby for additional money for flood recovery. The governor is seeking over three-billion dollars in federal assistance…

Cut 9 (09)  “ recovery program”

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LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center is looking for people to take part in a groundbreaking study that looks at ways to prevent Alzheimer’s disease. Director for Pennington’s Institute for Dementia Research and Prevention, Jeff Keller, says they are looking at how something like hypertension can cause impairment of brain function…:

Cut 10 (09)  “developing dementia”

Keller says Alzheimer’s is a complex disease without a cure or any new treatments, and this study aims to figure out which combination of medications and lifestyle changes may help people best avoid the disease. He says they are looking to enroll more than 600 older adults who are at high risk for losing important mental functions…:

cut 11 (11) “this disease”

For information about how to participate in the study, log on to idrp.pbrc.edu. Keller says 5.4 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s which is likely to affect 1 in 9 people age 65 and older. He says it is the costliest disease in the US and will triple in the next 35 years…:

cut 12 (11) “we can’t let that happen”

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Metal detectors are one possible idea to preventing future fatal shootings on Bourbon Street in New Orleans. Owner of L and R Security Services Inc., Edward Robinson, says it would be tough to do logistically and expensive. He says a lot of planning would need to take place between police and the businesses along the famous street.

Cut 13 (09) “costly factor”

L and R Security handles checkpoints for various events including Jazz Fest and LSU football games. Robinson says aside from costs, another factor to installing metal detectors is if businesses want to go along with it, as well. He says there are so many entrances to the street and…

cut 14 (10) “come in”

Robinson says numerous police officers and private security workers also be needed to monitor the metal detectors. He says manpower is part of the price for this safety measure.

Cut 15 (08) “a week”

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After allowing 30 or more points in four of their first five games, the Saints defense has been playing much better lately. They shutout the Rams last Sunday in the second half during a 49-21 win. Linebacker Craig Robertson credits a togetherness for the improved play…

Cut 16 (13) “we’re having fun”

During the Saints 49-21 win over the Rams the theme song from the “Lion King” was played after New Orleans successful trick play that saw Willie Snead throw a touchdown pass to Tim Hightower. Coach Sean Payton also referenced the “Circle of Life” song in a postgame tweet. Offensive Tackle Zach Strief is not saying why this song is so important to the team…

Cut 17 (19)    “LA Rams “

ULM closes out its regular season on Saturday against in state rival UL Lafayette. The Warhawks are 4-7, but have won two of their last three. Coach Matt Viator likes how his team has been able to run the ball lately…

Cut 18 (19) “ of sacks”

ULM is coming off a bye week, so with this being the final game of the regular season, Viator says they are treating this game like a bowl game…

Cut 19 (15)   “about it”

Law enforcement agencies in Baton Rouge have settled a civil rights lawsuit that alleged cops abused Alton Sterling protesters. Michelle Southern reports…:

CUT 1 (26) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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A local climate scientist expresses concern over the possibility of the United States removing itself from a climate change agreement. Don Molino has the story…

Cut 2 (26) “I’m Don Molino”

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One person is dead after an airboat on a swamp tour collided with a mud boat yesterday afternoon in Bayou Des Allemends. Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Spokesperson Adam Einck says the crash occurred near Mud Lake in Lafourche Parish and the mud boat operator was ejected into the water.

Cut 3 (10) “pronounced deceased”

The mud boat driver has been identified as 35-year old Bart Dufrene, Jr from Des Allemends. Einck says the two boats were going around a bend where they collided but it’s still unknown exactly what happened.

cut 4  (08) “of vision”

No one on the swamp tour airboat was ejected or injured. Einck says impairment is not suspected and the mud boat driver was not wearing a life jacket.

Cut 5  (10)  “this incident”

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Law enforcement agencies in Baton Rouge have settled a civil rights lawsuit filed by advocacy groups that alleged police used excessive force and psychical abuse during Alton Sterling protests. ACLU of Louisiana Executive Director Marjorie Esman says this agreement assures that citizens’ rights are respected moving forward…:

Cut 6 (10) “peaceful protests”

During some of the protests, authorities said protesters were breaking the law by blocking roadways and creating public safety issues. Esman says in cases like this, officers should give a verbal warning before they come in and start arresting people without notice:

CUT 7 (09)  “suitable”

The suit said that during protests people were wrongfully arrested when they were gathered peacefully to speak out against the killing of Sterling during a confrontation with officers. Esman says this proceeding was not seeking monetary damages and money had nothing to do with it..:

Cut 8 (06) “constitution”

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A cold front is sweeping across the state tonight bringing the potential for another round of severe weather. State Climatologist Barry Keim says parts of eastern Louisiana have an enhanced risk of severe weather with the rest of the state having a slight to marginal risk. He says we could experience tornadoes, high winds and hail.

Cut 9 (08)  “of Louisiana”

Keim says the majority of the rain potential is in southeastern Louisiana with the chance of one to two inches of rain. He says the temperatures are very warm today but…

Cut 10 (10) “into tomorrow”

Keim says this cold front will push all the warm air out towards the Gulf. But he says in the process it will produce a lot of rain and the possibility for severe weather.

cut 11 (08) “the state”

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The chairman of the Tulane Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences says the implications for coastal Louisiana would likely be devastating if President-elect Donald Trump takes the United States out of a climate change agreement. Tor Tornqvist says if the US doesn’t reduce greenhouse gases, sea levels will rise and swallow Louisiana’s coast…

cut 12 (09) “very much affected”

Last April, President Barack Obama joined leaders from nearly 200 other countries to reduce emissions. America is the second-largest emitter of greenhouse gases. Tornqvist says large communities will have to be moved if this climate change agreement is not followed…

Cut 13 (10) “including New Orleans”

Based on previous statements, Mr. Trump has expressed skepticism about global warming caused by humans. Tornqvist says if the United States takes itself out of the climate change agreement, it will be hard to manage the rise in the sea level, putting Louisiana’s coast in jeopardy

cut 14 (10) “we can handle”

With less than two weeks to go before the runoff, US Senate candidates are making a final push to get voters out to the polls. Jeff Palermo has more…

CUT 1 (28) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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According to the nonprofit organization Shared Hope International, Louisiana has the best anti-trafficking laws in the country. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 2 (29) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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After a fatal shooting on Bourbon Street, Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser is worried people won’t want to travel to the Big Easy. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 3 (26) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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Early voting for the December 10th runoff is underway, and Louisiana’s US Senate race is drawing national attention. Democrat Foster Campbell says he has drawn support from all over the US, as the party’s last hope for closing the Republican majority in the Upper Chamber.

cut 4  (10) “are calling”

Campbell made his comments at the Baton Rouge Press Club. His opponent, Republican Treasurer John Kennedy declined to attend. Instead, he was in Metairie on Monday with the National Republican Senatorial Committee Chairman, Mississippi Senator Roger Wicker.

Cut 5  (08)  “and vote”

Wicker says Republicans currently have a majority in the Senate 51-48, which makes this a pivotal race. He says if Kennedy wins, it would give the GOP more of a governing majority.

Cut 6 (11) “job creators”

But Campbell remains optimistic that he can pull out a win in the red state. He says as a pro-life, pro-gun Democrat, he can draw votes from both sides of the party lines.

CUT 7 (10)  “common sense”

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Governor John Bel Edwards is hoping the death of former Cuban President Fidel Castro will lead to more trade with the island nation. Edwards, who led a trade mission to Cuba in October, doesn’t expect any changes over night, but hopes Louisiana can return to being a major trade partner…

Cut 8 (11) “before the revolution”

President Barack Obama has worked to try and end the 55-year-old U.S. trade embargo with Cuba, but President-elect Donald Trump has given no indications he’ll continue these efforts. Edwards says he’s willing to work on reducing those trade barriers…

Cut 9 (08)  “ do that”

Edwards says if relations with Cuba are restored, it would be for the state’s rice industry. He says the rice consumption in Cuba per capita is 144 pounds per year…

Cut 10 (10)  “to Cuba”

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Louisiana ranks number one in the nation for the best anti-trafficking laws, according to the nonprofit organization Shared Hope International. Franklinton Senator Beth Mizell, who serves on the state’s Human Trafficking Study Commission, says while this is a step in the right direction, more needs to be done to help the victims.

cut 11 (10) “something’s done”

Mizell says there’s only one therapeutic home for sex trafficking victims in Louisiana, and it only holds up to ten girls. She says we need more safe places for these girls to go once they’re rescued, which takes a facility and a dedicated staff to care for them.

cut 12 (08) “be addressed”

Mizell says the first thing we have to do is make sure these victims aren’t treated as delinquents and pushed into the criminal justice system.

Cut 13 (11) “a prostitute”

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Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser is concerned about tourism dropping in New Orleans after the fatal shooting on Bourbon Street last weekend. Nungesser says every negative story impacts a city because people have to feel safe to come here.

cut 14 (09) “in any way”

Nungesser says there are too many criminals walking around because too often these people are in and out of jail. He says something needs to be done to keep dangerous offenders behind bars.

Cut 15 (08) “after time”

Nungesser says we’re reacting to these crimes, but we need to be proactive and prevent crimes before someone gets hurt. He says that starts with getting police the equipment they need and working with state and local officials to implement new policies.

Cut 16 (09) “not working”

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LSU will find out its bowl game destination on Sunday, but it’s difficult to figure where the Tigers will go. That’s because eight teams in the SEC have either seven or eight wins. Jerry Palm updates his bowl projections every week on CBS-Sports-dot-com

Cut 17 (13)    “is concerned “

Palm says Alabama is headed to the college football playoff and the Sugar Bowl will take the highest ranked SEC team in the C-F-P, which he says will either be Auburn or Florida. He says his best guest for LSU is either the Outback Bowl in Tampa or the Taxslayer Bowl in Jacksonville

Cut 18 (1o) “ is a possibility”

LSU was in the Texas Bowl last year and easily defeated Texas Tech 56-27. Palm says the SEC will help determine the bowl game for LSU, but they’ll be wanted by several bowls, because many fans are excited about the hiring of Ed Orgeron…

Cut 19 (09)   “begin with”

This Saturday, Louisiana Tech plays in the Conference USA Championship game against Western Kentucky. Palm says if the Bulldogs win they’ll play in the Zaxby’s Heart of Dallas Bowl, a loss will send them to the New Orleans Bowl….

cut 20 (12) “to New Orleans”

A shootout in Baton Rouge left two people dead and several injured. Don Molino has the story…

CUT 1 (26) “I’m Don Molino”

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Only 22,200 people cast a ballot on the first day of early voting in the December 10th runoff elections. Michelle Southern reports.

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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Two people are dead and several injured following a shootout in Baton Rouge. State Police Col. Mike Edmonson says last night police responded to a shooting on Essen Lane. He says 48-year-old Terrell Walker allegedly shot his girlfriend, 30-year-old April Peck, multiple times while sitting in a car and then pushed her out of the vehicle.

Cut 3 (09) “injured”

Edmonson says when several good Samaritans tried to help Peck, Walker turned the car around and drove into the crowd, hitting two people. He says when EMS arrived, he also fired shots at the first responders, wounding one person. He says the suspect then fled the scene, and a manhunt ensued leading police to Bluebonnet Blvd.

cut 4  (11) “the scene”

Edmonson says the wounded EMS worker and bystanders were taken to a local hospital and treated for non-life threatening injuries. He says State Police is investigating the officer involved shooting of Walker.

Cut 5  (10)  “attorney’s office”

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Officials in New Orleans are exploring ways they can make the streets safer following another deadly shooting on Bourbon Street over the weekend claimed the life of one person and injured 9 others. NOPD Chief Michael Harrison praised his officers for their response time, but admits more has to be done.

Cut 6 (10) “city is safe”

Harrison blames the latest incident on an argument between two men and both remain at large. He says they had around 40 officers in that area at the time…:

CUT 7 (07)  “all directions”

This has been the 4th major shooting on Bourbon Street in 4 years. Harrison says he’s aware that metal detectors are being used in Memphis on Beale street and says at this time nothing is being ruled out for The Big Easy…:

Cut 8 (04) “that model”

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Early voting for the December 10th runoff elections began on Saturday, and the turnout was not spectacular. John Couvillion with JMC Analytics says in the primary, 87,000 people turned out on the first day of early voting…:

Cut 9 (09)  “22,000 Saturday”

Voters in Louisiana still need to cast ballots for the final two candidates in the US Senate race, and the 3rd and 4th Congressional District races. Couvillion believes the low numbers are due to voter fatigue, and the fact that most people are busy with the holidays. He says this does not look good for overall early voting turnout in the runoff elections…:

Cut 10 (10) “December 10”

Analysts have predicted that the Republican will win in the races against Democrats. Couvillion projects that the overall turnout will be between 17-35%. He says on the first day of early voting in the presidential race, 27% of blacks turned out to cast a ballot compared to 19% on Saturday…:

cut 11 (09) “was more like 20”

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A Baton Rouge woman is behind bars after she attacked her husband with a turkey. Sgt. Don Coppola with Baton Rouge Police says a juvenile male called police on Thanksgiving Day to report that his parents were fighting. He says the situation escalated when 32-year-old Helen Jackson pulled a knife on her husband.

cut 12 (09) “with it”

Coppola says Jackson was arrested on multiple charges.

Cut 13 (11) “the turkey”

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A tornado watch is in effect until five o’ clock for much of Louisiana. Shreveport, Monroe, Alexandria and Lake Charles are all covered by the watch box. State Climatologist Barry Keim says the severe weather threat will continue into tonight and tomorrow…

cut 14 (12) “three days”

Keim says lightning, damaging winds and heavy rainfall are possible with this storm system that might not leave the state until Wednesday…

Cut 15 (10) “the rain”

Keim says a strong cold front is clashing with moisture from the Gulf of Mexico to produce this severe weather…

Cut 16  (11)  “with this”

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Early voting is underway and Election Day is quickly approaching. Emelie Gunn has more on what this means for the US Senate and two Congressional races

CUT 1 (27) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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In 2015, More than 15-hundred babies were born addicted to drugs in Louisiana, according to the Department of Children and Family Services. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 2 (28) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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New LSU Football coach Ed Orgeron has a plan to have the Tigers competing for championships again. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 3 (28) “Jeff Palermo”

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Early voting is underway and Election Day is less than two weeks away, so candidates are campaigning in full swing. UL-Lafayette Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says now is the time for a dash to the finish line. But he says the US and two Congressional elections have been relatively quiet.

cut 4  (09) “holiday season” 

The U.S. Senate candidates, Republican John Kennedy and Democrat Foster Campbell, will not debate before the December 10^th runoff. But Campbell will appear at today’s Baton Rouge Press Club. Cross says Kennedy could only lose in a face to face debate and the polls show he’s running comfortably ahead

Cut 5  (10)  “fault him”

Cross says the race for the 3^rd Congressional district seat is really heating up between the two Republicans, Scott Angelle and Clay Higgins. He says the stakes are higher than expected in this election…

Cut 6 (10) “statewide”

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The Louisiana Department of Insurance is urging families to compare rates for auto and homeowners insurance to get the best protection. Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says a home and car are the biggest investments people make. He says on their website, L-D-I-dot-L-A-dot-gov (ldi.la.gov), they provide a rate guide to help people find the best policy.

CUT 7 (09)  “available”

Donelon says many victims of the recent floods only had liability coverage on their flooded vehicles, so they were not insured for that loss.

Cut 8 (10) “your own”

Donelon says the “shop your rates tool” on their website will provide people information on the different types of coverage and what is included and what isn’t. He says the tool will determine the cost of your policy by adding up different factors.

Cut 9 (08)  “different factors”

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The Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services finds Louisiana’s rate of newborns born with drugs and alcohol in their system has tripled over the last 8 years. Regional Administrator for Child Welfare, Denise Evans, says more than 15-hundred babies were born exposed to drugs or alcohol in 2015. She says this causes problems for the infant.

Cut 10 (09)  “health problems”

There were just 569 cases of drug addicted newborns in 2008. Evans says they saw the biggest increase in the use of heroin, marijuana, and prescription drugs. She says it takes a lot to care for babies who are born exposed to these substances.

cut 11 (10) “of support”

Evans says the drug epidemic could be leading to the increase in the rate of addicted newborns. She says we need more treatment centers in Louisiana. She adds that helping these families puts a lot of strain on DCFS.

cut 12 (09) “sometimes more”

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The LSU coaching staff is hitting the recruiting trail this week now that they know Ed Orgeron is the permanent head coach. Orgeron says he understands and invites the expectations at LSU and that’s why he wants to build a championship program fast and has a vision to do so…

Cut 13 (08) “we go”

For Orgeron to be successful, he’ll have to recruit well and he’s already considered one of the best recruiters in college football. Coach “O” on where they plan to get future Tigers…

cut 14 (12) “we can”

Orgeron says he wants to assemble the best coaching staff in America. He says he has a couple of guys in mind who could be the Tigers offensive coordinator…

Cut 15 (08) “to LSU”

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The Saints offense was nearly unstoppable Sunday as New Orleans kept its playoff hopes alive with a 49-21 win over the Los Angeles Rams. The Black and Gold had 555 total yards, 346 through the air, 209 on the ground on 32 rush attempts. Coach Sean Payton says the key was converting on 3rd down six times in 13 opportunities…

Cut 16 (20)” that was clear”

Quarterback Drew Brees threw for 310 yards and four touchdowns. Running back Mark Ingram rushed for 146 yards and a touchdown, while rookie receiver Michael Thomas had 9 catches for 108 yards and two touchdowns. Payton says he’s impressed with how Thomas can catch passes away from his body…

Cut 17 (15)    “to tackle “

The Saints defense gave up two long scoring drives in the first half, but did not allow any points in the 2nd half. New Orleans had three sacks and forced two turnovers. Payton credits the team’s health for the improved play on defense…

Cut 18 (21) “ clean and correct”

Small businesses are hoping for a ton of customers tomorrow as it’s Small Business Saturday. Michelle Southern has more…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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Could Houston Head Coach  Tom Herman be the next head football coach of the LSU Tigers? Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Tomorrow is Small Business Saturday and local, independent businesses are expecting a big day. Spokesperson for the National Federation of Independent Businesses in Louisiana, Todd Pack, says a recent survey shows more people than ever are away of Small Business Saturday and 62-percent of those plan to shop at small retailers…

Cut 3 (08) “the owner”

Pack says those who plan to shop locally on Saturday say they value the contributions these local businesses have on the community…

cut 4  (11) “Business Saturday”

The Small Business Saturday Consumer Insights Survey also found 63-percent of shoppers are willing to spend a little more on an item if it comes from a locally owned business. Pack says this is really exciting news for small business owners.

Cut 5  (09)  “big Saturday”

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The holiday shopping season is underway. Executive Director of the Louisiana Retailers Association, Dawn Johnson, says it’s a different kind of holiday shopping season in the Bayou State, because of the flooding that took place earlier this year…

Cut 6 (10) “people there”

Johnson says they are cautiously optimistic that this will be a good holiday shopping season for Louisiana retailers. She says this is an especially important time for those retailers that were impacted by the historic floods in March and August…

CUT 7 (09)  “or better”

Johnson says it’s hard for them to make predictions on the type of holiday shopping season it will be in Louisiana, because flood victims don’t have the cash on hand to buy certain kinds of gifts…

Cut 8 (09) “of that”

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Houston’s Tom Herman has emerged as LSU’s top candidate to be the next head football coach of the Tigers. Glen Guilbeau of the USA Today Network and featured columinst for Tiger Rag Magazine says LSU representatives paid Herman a visit on Thanksgiving Day…

Cut 9 (12)  “kind of hurry”

Guilbeau says LSU has also approached Florida State Head Coach Jimbo Fisher, but he declined an offer that would pay him in the neighborhood of seven-million dollars a year. He says interim head coach Ed Orgeron remains a candidate as well…

Cut 10 (09) “the job”

Since the Tigers fired Les Miles in September, Fisher and Herman have been considered the top candidates to be the head coach at LSU. Guilbeau says if Texas comes in with a strong offer, the 41-year-old Herman, who has coached in the Longhorn state for many years,  may go there instead…

cut 11 (08) “as better”

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This Saturday’s Powerball jackpot drawing has jumped to a whopping 403 million dollars. Louisiana Lottery Spokesperson Kim Chopin says this is the 9^th largest jackpot in Powerball history.

cut 12 (10) “impaired drivers”

Chopin says this is the second year in a row we’ve seen a huge Powerball jackpot during the holiday season. Last year the jackpot reached a record 1.6 billion dollars. She says the winner of this year’s jackpot will be able to purchase a lot of Christmas gifts.

Cut 13 (06) “is yours”

Chopin expects a lot of people will be buying tickets for Saturday’s drawing because they’re already out holiday shopping.

cut 14 (10) “retailers”

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Flood victims are experiencing a different Thanksgiving as many are still displaced about 100 days later. Emelie Gunn has more…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Jimbo Fisher is reportedly LSU’s top choice to become their next head football coach. But will Fisher leave Florida State. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Thanksgiving is a little different this year for flood victims still displaced after the August flooding. Denham Springs Mayor Gerard Landry says 80 to 90-percent of the homes and businesses in their town had flood damage. He says it’s been a struggle for homeowners to find qualified workers to fix up their houses and repairs are expensive.

Cut 3 (09) “retirement savings”

Landry says typically Thanksgiving is a time to visit with family and friends, but many flood victims have been living with loved ones for nearly 100 days. He says many people will try to carry on the tradition in a different city and everyone is working to help one another.

cut 4  (10) “rebuilding process” 

Landry says despite all of the struggles with rebuilding many in Denham Springs are thankful on this Thanksgiving. He says they also thank God for small favors too, as the flood could’ve been even worse.

Cut 5  (10)  “themselves”

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Millions of Americans are expected to shop tomorrow, and WalletHub has released their report of the best stores for Black Friday. Jill Gonzales with WalletHub says Macy’s will have the best discounts, as their average discount is about 64-percent off. But she says shoppers will find good deals just about everywhere.

Cut 6 (08) “percent off”

Gonzales says the best deals will be on things like jewelry, apparel, accessories, and video games. But she says some of the items on the top of everyone’s wish list won’t be discounted as much.

CUT 7 (09)  “holiday list”

Gonzales says some online retailers like Amazon are only offering 25-percent off, even though they advertise their Black Friday deals. She says the stores to avoid are places like Costco and Sam’s Club.

Cut 8 (09) “Black Friday”

Gonzales says the average consumer will spend about $950 on gifts this holiday season.

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Governor John Bel Edwards wishes Louisiana residents a happy Thanksgiving. He says despite all the challenges we’ve faced this year, we have a lot to be thankful for today and every day.

Cut 9 (07)  “every day”

The governor is spending the holiday back in the Governor’s Mansion after it flooded during the August flood. Edwards says he and First Lady Donna Edwards are glad to be in the Mansion for Thanksgiving.

Cut 10 (07)  “we do”

Edwards encourages everyone to give thanks this holiday season because we live in the greatest state of the greatest country on earth.

cut 11 (08) “this year”

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Tonight is LSU’s final regular season game and once it is completed, the Tigers are expected to make a strong push to hire Florida State Head Coach Jimbo Fisher. But will Fisher come to LSU, football analyst Mike Detillier says LSU has better facilities, they pay their assistant coaches more and it’s easier to recruit players to Tiger Town…

cut 12 (11) “over florida State”

Fisher is in his 7th season at Florida State and has the highest winning percentage in ACC history. He guided the Seminoles to a national championship in 2013. But Detillier says many coaches look for another challenge after awhile…

Cut 13 (08) “this stage”

The search for a new head coach began in September, when Les Miles was fired after a 2-and-2 start. Detillier says LSU must have a good feeling they can lure Fisher away, because he was the top candidate then and he’s the top candidate now…

cut 14 (08) “this search”

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Voters will not have a chance to see the US Senate runoff candidates debate. Don Molino explains why…

CUT 1 (24) “I’m Don Molino”

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The Baton Rouge city council has approved a $100-thousand settlement with the protestors who were arrested after Alton Sterling’s death. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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It doesn’t look like voters will get a chance to hear the U.S. Senate candidates debate again before the December 10th runoff. They could not agree on a date and conditions for the debate. LSU political communications Professor Martin Johnson says it’s disappointing the public won’t have a chance to hear Republican John Kennedy and Democrat Foster Campbell discuss their platforms.

Cut 3 (09) “not happening”

A major sticking point was whether the debate should be televised in front of a live audience, as Kennedy did not want an audience, while Campbell did. Johnson says it’s unclear if either candidate will benefit from not having a debate.

cut 4  (11) “pretty important”

Johnson says this race will come down in large part to party lines, so he doesn’t think the debate would have changed many voters’ minds, but frontrunners tend to think not debating benefits them. He says that’s why Kennedy has run his campaign like an incumbent…

Cut 5  (09)  “avoid it”

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Baton Rouge has settled with protestors who were arrested during protests that erupted after the death of Alton Sterling. The $100-thousand settlement will award $230 to each of the 92 plaintiffs with the rest of the money going towards legal fees. Louisiana ACLU Executive Director Marjorie Esman says they’re pleased, because the protestors’ constitutional rights were violated by police.

Cut 6 (08) “first place”

The City of Baton Rouge, Louisiana State Police, the East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office, and the District Attorney’s Office will each foot $25-thousand dollar bill.  Esman says this suit wasn’t about compensation, it was about making sure people have the right to protest.

CUT 7 (09)  “the result”

Baton Rouge City Council member John Delgado was the only council member to speak out against the suit, and he was furious about the council’s decision to settle. He says settling this frivolous suit is a terrible precedent.

Cut 8 (10) “their case”

Delgado says this will open the door for more litigation from activists. He says he’s also worried this payment will encourage bad behavior from future protestors.

Cut 9 (07)  “pay us”

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State Police’s Click It or Ticket Campaign is in effect for the Thanksgiving holiday weekend. Trooper Melissa Matey says law enforcement will look for drivers who are not properly buckled and children who are not correctly restrained.  She says the seat-belt provides many different protections.

Cut 10 (09) “your body”

Over the Thanksgiving holiday last year, more than 200 injuries in car crashes were reported in the state and 10 people were killed. Matey says the single most important thing a seat-belt does is make sure a person stays in the vehicle.

cut 11 (11) “properly buckled”

Matey says motorists can visit 511.la.org for traffic updates. She says LSP will also be on the lookout for drunk drivers over the holiday weekend.

cut 12 (10) “impaired drivers”

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The Office of Motor Vehicles will resume accepting some cash payments beginning December 5. OMV Commissioner Karen St. Germain says they will only accept small amounts of cash, for things like driver’s licenses and vehicle registrations.

Cut 13 (10) “of cash”

St. Germain says the OMV originally decided not to accept cash payments because it was a burden on employees if they came up short at the end of the day.

cut 14 (10) “was there”

Several legislators did not like the “no cash” policy as they complained not everyone carries credit or debit cards. St. Germain says by only accepting cash payments for things like license renewals, they’re reducing the risk of employees pocketing the money.

Cut 15 (09) “different transactions”

Legislative audits in 2014 and 2015 found 280-thousand dollars in stolen or misappropriated funds from the OMV and five workers were arrested.