It’s a wet winter day across much of Louisiana. Jeff Palermo has more…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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The winter weather causes safety hazards. Michelle Southern has more…

Cut 2 (26) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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Northeast Louisiana could see snow today. Winter weather advisories are in effect for most parishes in the Ark-La-Miss. Mark McAllister with the National Weather Service says delta parishes can expect a mixture of freezing rain, sleet, and snow. He says winter weather warnings are in effect until midnight.

Cut 3 (07) “also possible”

McAllister says these conditions will continue though the afternoon and into tonight. He says the icy conditions are affecting roadways, leading to accidents on several major highways. He says even though the storm will taper off after midnight, the danger will linger.

cut 4  (08) “next week”

McAllister says temperatures will likely not get above freezing. He says the lows are down in the teens and low 20s. He says the wind chill will be even lower.

Cut 5  (07)  “lower teens”

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South Louisiana won’t be spared from the winter weather. Christopher Bannan with the National Weather Service in Slidell says there’s some concern that the cold air is moving in faster than expected. He says winter weather advisories are in effect for the Baton Rouge area and parishes along the Northshore.

Cut 6 (09) “surge in”

Bannan says southern parishes should see temperatures well below freezing before dark. He says even after the precipitation moves out, residents should still take caution when driving.

CUT 7 (11)  “elevated roadways” 

Bannan says south Louisiana could see the coldest temperatures we’ve seen since 2015. He says wind chill advisories have already been posted.

Cut 8 (10) “Baton Rouge area”

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Two Washington Parish parents have been arrested on charges of cruelty to a juvenile. Chief Deputy Mike Haley with the sheriff’s office says they received reports from a concerned citizen that two children were being mistreated. He says when deputies looked into the complaint, they were shocked by what they discovered.

Cut 9 (12)  “very, very spoiled”

Haley says 28-year-old Jessie Hoyt and 26-year-old Kayla Hoyt lived in the home with their two children. He says during the inspection of the home, deputies also determined the children were not being properly cared for.

Cut 10 (11) “during the day”

Haley says deputies called the Department of Children and Family Services to the home, and the children were taken into state custody. He says they are relieved the children have been removed from this terrible situation.

cut 11 (10) “totally neglected”

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State officials are advising Louisiana residents to stay safe as winter weather moves through the state. State Trooper Scott Moreau says as freezing rain and sleet falls in many north and central Louisiana parishes, roadways are becoming more dangerous. He advises people not to drive if at all possible.

cut 12 (08) “at all” 

Moreau says the Department of Transportation is doing what they can to keep roadways open, but it’s just a matter of time before more roads and bridges close around the state. He says if you do have to drive, it’s important to take extra precautions.

Cut 13 (08) “your seatbelt”

With so many people staying indoors because of the weather, state Fire Marshal Butch Browning warns residents to be careful when heating their homes. He says people should never use their stove or oven to heat their home, and always monitor space heaters.

cut 14 (10) “on fire”

Browning also urges people to make sure their smoke detectors are working properly.

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LSU All-American Safety Jamal Adams announces he’s skipping his senior season and entering the NFL draft. Adams held a press conference this morning to thank all of those who helped him become a likely first-round draft choice. Adams was emotional when talking about his parents…

Cut 15 (15) “thank em enough”

Before Adams left to go train for the NFL draft, he thanked the LSU fans for pushing him….

Cut 16  (12)  “geaux tigers”

Today the Restore Louisiana Task Force will meet to discuss how the state plans to spend $1.2 billion dollars federal flood relief. Jeff Palermo reports…:

CUT 1 (29) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Nutritionists urge people setting New Year’s health resolutions not to fall for fad diets. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 2 (29) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Trump’s transition team is drumming up support for the President-elect’s agenda for his first 100 days in office. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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The Restore Louisiana Task Force meets today to discuss plans to spend federal flood relief dollars. In the weeks after the August flood, the state secured 438-million and then another 1.2 billion was appropriated in December. Pat Forbes, executive director of the State Office of Community Development, says today they’ll hear the final changes to the plan for the $438 million and it will go to the state’s most vulnerable population…:

cut 4  (11) “for everybody”

Forbes says, unfortunately, when you’re dealing with federal money – the process of how to secure it takes longer than anyone wants. He says it’s been 147 days since the flooding began in south Louisiana, and the state has had just 20 of those days to discuss funding plans…:

Cut 5  (09)  “are done”

Forbes says once HUD approves the final plan for the first installment, the agency will make the money available to the state; maybe by March. He says, moving forward, the total $1.6 billion pledged by Congress is greatly appreciated…:

Cut 6 (08) “full recovery”

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There’s a chance some parts of Louisiana will see winter precipitation today. State climatologist Barry Keim says the region north of the I-10 corridor will likely see a wintry mix.

CUT 7 (12)  “snow event”‘

A winter weather advisory has been issued for Catahoula and Concordia parishes, along with Catahoula, Concordia, East Feliciana, northern Tangipahoa, Pointe Coupee, St. Helena, Washington and West Feliciana.  But Keim says not all parts of the state will see snow, as south Louisiana is in for more wet weather.

Cut 8 (08) “into tonight”

And Keim reminds everyone to take care of their pets, pipes, and plants as some areas of the state will see temperatures well below freezing this weekend.

Cut 9 (10)  “northern parishes”

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Many people set New Year’s resolutions to become healthier for 2017 but nutritionists are cautioning people about the dangers of fad diets. Registered Dietitian with the LSU AgCenter Sandra May says she sees the popularity of these name brand diets ramp up at the beginning of each year. She urges consumers to eat a balanced diet.

Cut 10 (11) “food groups”

May advises people to make half of their plate fruits and vegetables, based on the USDA’s My Plate, along with…

cut 11 (09) “protein source”

May says the most popular fad diets currently are the Adkins, Zone and Paleo diets. She says juicing or detoxing can be very dangerous, especially if you have a medical condition like diabetes.

cut 12 (10) “an option”

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Trump supporters in Louisiana are helping to drum up support for President-elect Donald Trump’s agenda for his first 100 days in office. Co-chair of the Donald Trump for Louisiana campaign Brian Trascher says they’re organizing post-election activities. He says one of the first orders of business is to make sure Louisiana’s U.S. Senators, Bill Cassidy and John Kennedy, support Mr. Trump’s cabinet picks.

Cut 13 (08) “these nominees”

Trascher says the team plans to create a special fund that will be used to run ads so that people can get the full story on what the president-elect hopes to do. He says Mr. Trump was able to get elected, because of well-attended rallies and addressing Americans through his twitter account.

cut 14 (09) “he intends to do”

Trump won 58-percent of the vote in Louisiana and received more votes than any candidate in state history. Trascher says Mr. Trump’s priorities in his first hundred days will be the same issues he raised on the campaign trail.

Cut 15 (10) “replace Obamacare”

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The Saints have made major changes with their coaching staff. Five assistant coaches were let go including long-time assistant head coach Joe Vitt. Sideline reporter on the Saints Radio Network, Kristian Garic, says Vitt has been with Payton in New Orleans since 2006…

Cut 16 (11) “says a lot”

The Saints are coming off their third consecutive seven and nine season. Vitt and James Willis both coached the linebackers and they were let go. Garic says it’s not hard to see why…

Cut 17 (08)    “linebackers coach”

Defensive line coach Bill Johnson will also not be back and special teams assistant Stan Kwan and special teams coordinator Greg McMahon were also let go. Garic says you saw the hand writing on the wall with McMahon…

Cut 18 (11) “long term”

Quite a few stores in the Bayou State are closing their doors for good this year. Jeff Palermo has more…

CUT 1 (29) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Rain is moving into the state bringing in the chance for light snow north of I-20. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Several stores are closing their doors for good in the coming months. Sears Holdings announces Kmart locations in Gonzales and Jefferson Parish, as well as Sears in Gretna and Cortana Mall in Baton Rouge will close by this April. LSU marketing professor Dan Rice says in Sears’ case, the company looked at places where there’s overlap.

Cut 3 (12) “those consumers”

The Limited is shutting down nationwide, meaning all 5 stores in Louisiana will lock their doors permanently this Saturday, and the Macys in Kenner is closing in the spring.Rice says online retailers could be impacting demand at these stores, since more and more people are shopping online.

cut 4  (09) “used to be”

Rice says there are a lot of implications with stores closing, including employees having to find new jobs. He adds that big names retailers leaving could pose a problem for malls looking to fill that vacant space because stores like Sears are often known as anchor stores.

Cut 5  (12)  “jump in there”

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Precipitation is moving into Louisiana over the next 24 hours bringing in the possibility of light snow. That’s according to Patrick Omundson with the National Weather Service in Shreveport who says Louisiana likely won’t see any snow accumulation and the majority will fall along the Arkansas state line. He says the snow will start mid-day tomorrow.

Cut 6 (09) “mid-evening”

Omundson says south of I-20 can expect a sleet mix, but no freezing rain. He doesn’t expect travel issues but…

CUT 7 (10)  “Saturday morning” 

Omundson says the forecast shows south Louisiana will only experience a cold rain tomorrow. He says it will be a chilly weekend overall with temperatures in the northern part of the state reaching the mid-30s and in the 40s for the south with a wind chill.

Cut 8 (06) “chill too”

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Early this morning, a fire broke out on an oil production platform in the Gulf of Mexico, sending four workers into the water. U.S. Coast Guard Petty Officer Third Class Travis Magee says around 2:30 am they received reports of a fire on a Renaissance Offshore platform about 80 miles off the coast of Grand Isle.

Cut 9 (11)  “the situation”

Magee says there were people working on the platform when the fire started.

Cut 10 (10) “reported injuries”

Magee says the crew of the Mary Wyatt Milano and three other offshore supply vessels worked together to put out the fire. He says the cause of the fire it not yet known, and the investigation is ongoing.

cut 11 (11) “the situation”

The four workers were reportedly taken to Terrebonne General Hospital for observation.

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A community forum is scheduled for tonight where Louisiana residents will have a chance to voice their concerns about repealing the Affordable Care Act without a replacement. Jeanie Donovan from Loyola’s Jesuit Social Research Institute will MC the event at 6 p.m…..

cut 12 (10) “the state” 

Donovan says forum is also a call to action to get people in touch with their elected officials so they can voice how a repeal would impact Louisianans.

Cut 13 (09) “coverage”

Newly elected US Senator John Kennedy has said, at least on the Senate side, he doesn’t believe that Congress will want to repeal Obamacare without having something else in place. Donovan says she’s also concerned about how the state’s budget would be impacted if thousands of Louisiana residents lost their health insurance…

cut 14 (08) “is repealed”

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The revised masterplan for coastal restoration and protection in Louisiana has been released. Halen Doughty has more…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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So what are the chances we could see snow tomorrow. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (26) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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The state Department of Transportation launches a “Do Not Stop on the Tracks” safety campaign. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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The state has released its revised coastal protection and restoration masterplan that’s designed to reduce hurricane storm surge and restore Louisiana’s vanishing coastline. Bren Haase with the state’s Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority says the plan proposes 120 projects.

cut 4  (10) “voluntary acquisitions”

Haase says public meetings are scheduled throughout the state to gather public input on the plan. The first meeting will be held on January 17^th in Lake Charles. He says the worst case scenario for the coast would be about 4-thousand square miles of land loss if they did nothing.

Cut 5  (08)  “have otherwise”

Haase says roughly $18 billion has been secured to implement the 50-year plan, which would take $50 billion to fully fund it. He says another important part of the plan is reducing storm surge damage along the coast.

Cut 6 (11) “year 50”

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Precipitation moves into Louisiana tonight, and it could change to snow north of I-20. But State climatologist Barry Keim says the chance for wintery precipitation is not very high.

CUT 7 (12)  “central Louisiana”‘

Keim says the chance for snow in north Louisiana is about 20 to 30-percent. He says while they don’t want to get people’s hopes up about the possibility of a snow event, they do want people to be prepared.

Cut 8 (09) “this particular point”

Keim says this weather system is expected to move through the state quickly. But he says once it passes over, arctic air pushes in.

Cut 9 (10)  “all season”

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Attorney General Jeff Landry is looking for a way to reduce crime in New Orleans. He says it will take a multidimensional approach, which is why his office has started a hashtag campaign “Make New Orleans Safe Again.” Landry says there’s something missing from the fight against crime in the Big Easy because New Orleans is twice as dangerous as Chicago.

Cut 10 (09) “hundred thousand people” 2x

Landry says they have a Violent Crimes Taskforce to assist patrol officers in the French Quarter during special events like football games and concerts. But he says they don’t have the necessary resources to give police extra assistance year-round, and there is crime throughout the Crescent City, not just the Quarter.

cut 11 (11) “residents safe”

In 2016, shootings in New Orleans increased by almost 25-percent, and homicides rose by 7-percent. Landry blames Mayor Mitch Landrieu’s poor leadership for the uptick in crime. He says Landrieu hasn’t been a part of the discussions about ways to reduce crime in New Orleans. He adds that NOPD is under a federal consent decree that Landrieu agreed to.

cut 12 (11) “crime fighting policy”

The mayor’s office did not respond to a request for a statement on this matter.

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The Louisiana Department of Transportation launches a railroad safety campaign.  Based on the latest numbers from the Federal Railroad Administration, Louisiana was fourth in the nation for the number of highway-rail grade crossing fatalities in 2015, with 13 deaths. DOTD Spokesperson Rodney Mallett says the message of their campaign is do not stop on the tracks.

Cut 13 (08) “the crossing”

Mallett says it’s the law to always stop behind the solid white line or at least 15 feet back from the tracks because a train is more than three feet wider than the tracks on both sides. He says as part of this safety campaign, law enforcement officers are monitoring numerous railroad intersections

cut 14 (08) “write tickets”

Mallett says it can take a train more than a mile to stop, so it’s never a good idea to try to beat the train over the tracks. He says the state is also doing its part as DOTD has spent nearly 6 million dollars on 30 railroad safety projects last year.

Cut 15 (10) “do that”

Prices are once again going up at the pump, and GasBuddy forecasts the highest prices in three years for 2017. Don Molino has more…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Don Molino”

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Water systems around the state are increasing fees this month to help with an uptick in inspections. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 2 (29) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Drivers can expect to pay more at the pump this year, as GasBuddy forecasts the highest prices in three years. Senior Petroleum Analyst Greg Laskowski says right now the statewide average is $2.16, which is about 40-cents higher than a year ago and a spike is likely later this winter and spring.

Cut 3 (10) “in Louisiana”

Laskowski says the national average price of gas for the year will be about $2.49 a gallon, and in 2016 that average was $2.13. He credits an energy friendly president taking office with some of the increase. But he says the price hike is predominantly because of OPEC’s decision to cut back on production.

cut 4  (10) “OPEC announcement”

Laskowski expects prices to peak in May or June and the yearly average is expected to be 36-cents higher. But he says people can still save at the pump, whether or not prices are rising. He advises people to watch the prices in their neighborhood and look for the best deals. He says gas prices can vary greatly in a city.

Cut 5  (10)  “your own market”

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Water systems across Louisiana are increasing fees to help with increased state inspections. State Health Officer Dr. Jimmy Guidry says there’s always been a fee to pay for state inspections but the legislature and governor agreed to increase the fee by another 75-cents per month starting in January, because health risks are getting higher…

Cut 6 (10) “be monitored”

Funding to monitor water systems was cut in 2012. Guidry says this fee is necessary because they want to ramp up testing on drinking water.

CUT 7 (09)  “eating amoeba” 

Guidry says they want to prevent another St. Joseph, where the drinking water is brown and lead has been found in the pipes of the town’s delivery system. He says while the fee increase will not fix all the problems, it will allow for improved testing of drinking water.

Cut 8 (09) “your health”

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Saints Quarterback Drew Brees is teaming up with Dunkin’ Donuts to open 69 new locations in Louisiana. Marketing manager with Dunkin’ Donuts in Louisiana, Erin Sheeran, says there are currently 5 stores in the Bayou State in Baton Rouge and New Orleans. She anticipates Brees will be hands on when it comes to expanding the Dunkin Donuts brand.

Cut 9 (09)  “the business”

Sheeran says a few stores are set to open this year in Gonzales, Chalmette, and Kenner. Other stores are also expected to open in Monroe, Shreveport, and Alexandria in the next few years. She says fans could catch a glimpse of the future Hall of Famer in the new store locations.

Cut 10 (09) “in the stores”

Brees’ other business endeavors include being a Jimmy John’s franchisee and co-owning Walk-On’s Enterprises. Sheeran says the franchise is excited about partnering with the QB. She says the company wanted to connect with the people of New Orleans and the rest of the state in a special way.

cut 11 (09) “to do”

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GLOVIS America announces a new inland distribution center for imported vehicles will be located in the old General Motors plant in Shreveport. Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Don Pierson says at the facility, Kia and Hyundai vehicles coming from other countries, will receive equipment and exterior upgrades.

cut 12 (09) “of things” 

GLOVIS is a part of the Hyundai Kia Automotive Group. Pierson says GLOVIS will make a one million dollar capital investment and the project will bring in many new jobs…

Cut 13 (10) “operation there”

A hiring date has not been set. The average salary is expected to be around 32-thousand dollars, plus benefits. Pierson says this will also result in about 246 indirect jobs. The former GM plant has been vacant since 2012 so, he says it’s great to have autoworkers back at the facility.

cut 14 (11) “be met”

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Healthcare and immigration are expected to be big issues for Louisiana’s congressional delegation in the 115^th US Congress. Halen Doughty has more…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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While December sees the most engagements of the year, psychologists say more couples get divorced in January than any other month. Don Molino has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Don Molino”

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Another cold snap is heading our way and it has a potential to bring us some snow. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Louisiana’s congressional delegation is gearing up to tackle some big issues in the 115^th United States Congress. Congressman Ralph Abraham was sworn in Monday for his second term representing northeast and central Louisiana. He says a big priority for his district will be creating and protecting jobs in agriculture.

cut 4  (07) “so many people”

Abraham says while national issues like Obamacare and securing the borders will dominate many conversations in Washington, he’s also focused on Louisianans’ concerns. He says an important issue for the Bayou State will be rebuilding energy resources.

Cut 5  (11)  “expound exponentially”

Congressman Mike Johnson took his first congressional oath of office, as the former-state representative now represents the 4^th District. Johnson says he’s looking forward to rolling back regulations on businesses.

Cut 6 (11) “free market again”

Johnson says rebuilding and strengthening the military is a key issue. He says bolstering our military bases is important for the nation as a whole, and especially for people in the 4^th Congressional District.

CUT 7 (10)  “the state”‘

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The holidays aren’t always the most wonderful time of the year, which is why more couples get divorced in January than any other month of the year. That’s according to New Orleans marriage and family therapist Dr. Eileen Palace, who says the holidays can put added strain on relationships.

Cut 8 (10) “in January”

Palace says people’s expectations of what holidays should be can set them up for disappointment. She says that coupled with lack of sleep and increased alcohol can create problems in a relationship. But she says sometimes there are more serious issues that have been going on for years.

Cut 9 (09)  “old issues”

Palace says people are also dealing with personal issues during the holidays because it can remind them of lost loved ones or their children being grown. She says this can lead to depression in women and irritability in men. She says it’s important to be tolerant of other people’s issues and not take it personally.

Cut 10 (10) “deal with it”

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Another cold snap is coming our way, and state climatologist Barry Keim says it will be the coldest one yet. He says a cold front is moving into the state today, which will drastically cool things off in the Bayou State.

cut 11 (12) “the weekend”

Keim says it will get progressively colder every day until Sunday. He says a storm forming in the Gulf will increase the chance for wintery precipitation in north and central Louisiana on Friday.

cut 12 (11) “central Louisiana”

Keim says it won’t be cold enough for snow in south Louisiana, which means more rain. He says the entire state should keep an eye on this system because things could change quickly.

Cut 13 (09) “the precipitation”

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Workers compensation rates are continuing a downward trajectory in Louisiana, as the Louisiana Department of Insurance announces a statewide rate decrease of nearly 10-percent. Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says this is good news for Louisiana businesses because it makes competing for jobs easier.

cut 14 (08) “going forward”

Donelon says rates have seen a cumulative drop of 34-percent over the last 10 years and 50-percent over the last 20 years. He says workplace safety is the biggest reason Louisiana’s workers compensation rates continue to decline.

Cut 15 (11) “26-thousand”

Donelon says not only could this lower rate bring new businesses to Louisiana, it could also help existing companies create more jobs in the Bayou State.

Cut 16 (07) “even cheaper”

The Congressional Black Caucus sworn in its new chairman today, Louisiana’s own US Representative Cedric Richmond. Halen Doughty has more…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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A former LSU football player says his SEC championship ring was stolen. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (29) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Strong winds left a wake of destruction in Avoyelles Parish. Marksville Fire Chief Jerry Bordelon says it has not yet been confirmed if a tornado touched down. He says Walmart sustained the most damage, including an 18-wheeler being flipped over behind the building.

Cut 3 (11) “shopping buggies”

Entergy reports more than 16-thousand customers in Louisiana lost power at some point Monday. Bordelon says many Marksville residents were among those without electricity.

cut 4  (12) “a blackout”

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Parts of north and central Louisiana could see snow or ice this week. Patrick Omundson with the National Weather Service in Shreveport says cold air arrives tonight and precipitation is expected to arrive on Friday.

Cut 5  (12)  “air mass”

Snow accumulations in Monroe and Alexandria are expected to be less than one inch. Omundson says right now the models show a 70-percent chance of icy precipitation in Monroe on Friday.

Cut 6 (11) “Friday evening”

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Today, US Representative Cedric Richmond of New Orleans was sworn in as the chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus. Richmond says in this new Congress, the CBC will confront those who seek to divide people, and they will be clear on their demands on behalf of black people across the country.

CUT 7 (09)  “they worship” 

Richmond says it takes people of all ages and races with conviction and strength to affect change because the CBC cannot do it alone. He says they need the fire, passion, and talent of young people, as well as the wisdom, insight, and clarity of our elders.

Cut 8 (07) “of today”

Richmond says if we do not learn from the past, the future will be more of the same. He says they will be deliberate with their thoughts and actions, and they will engage on their own terms. He says they have the strength and courage of their predecessors and in that spirit they won’t give in, give up, or fall back.

Cut 9 (11)  “never will be”

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Saints head coach Sean Payton says he has no plans to leave New Orleans in response to reports he could be traded to the Los Angeles Rams. Payton says he’s already started working on what the roster might look like in 2017

Cut 10 (07) “come out”

There has been speculation that the Saints could be interested in trading Payton for a draft pick compensation or a player. Payton says evaluations begin this week and he’s busy getting prepared for free agency. He says it’s difficult to constantly respond to these rumors.

cut 11 (13) “honoring that”

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Season two of the cold case series, Killing Fields, airs tonight at 9 p.m. on Discovery Channel. The show sheds light of unsolved murders in Iberville Parish. Sheriff Brett Stassi says last season focused on the 1997 murder of 34-year-old Eugenie Boisfontaine, whose body was found in Bayou Manchac. He says this season will feature two cases, one from 1991 where Curtis Smith’s body was dumped in Bayou Pigeon.

cut 12 (10) “Whiskey Bay”

Stassi says the first few episodes will focus on Boisfontaine’s murder but then spin off into a deep investigation of other cases. He says although Boisfontaine’s death remains unsolved, detectives were able to make an arrest in Smith’s murder and in Elizabeth Ferrell’s murder, whose body ended up in Whiskey Bay in April.

Cut 13 (05) “guilty verdict”

The show follows the Detective Rodie Sanchez, who comes out of retirement, along with Detectives Aubrey St. Angelo, Leslie Brandford and Major Ronnie Hebert. Stassi says through the television show, they were able to obtain forensic tools that usually they wouldn’t have access to.

cut 14 (10) “financial ability”

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Political analysts say we can look forward to more of the same in Louisiana politics next year. Halen Doughty explains why 2017 is expected to be all about the budget

CUT 1 (27) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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Today in Washington D.C, John Kennedy will be sworn into the 115th Congress of the United States as Louisiana’s newest Senator. Michelle Southern reports…:

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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The Smoking Cessation Trust has some tips for smokers to quit as their New Year’s resolution. Don Molino has more…

Cut 3 (25) “I’m Don Molino”

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2016 was certainly an unusual year for Louisiana politics, so what can we expect in 2017? Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says next year will be all about the budget. He says we can look forward to another contentious battle over revenue versus spending. He says like last year, we are entering the New Year with a massive budget shortfall.

cut 4  (10) “sales taxes”

Pinsonat says there’s still the possibility of yet another special session next year to address the looming $600 million deficit, which could increase after the Revenue Estimating Conference meets again later this month. He says how Governor John Bel Edwards addresses the budget problems will greatly affect his popularity. He says Edwards is entering the 2017 with a high favorability rating.

Cut 5  (10)  “plummet again”

Pinsonat says we also have to elect a new state treasurer, and even that will be about the budget. He says Senator-elect John Kennedy became popular because of the budget crisis. He adds that one of the outgoing State Treasurer’s slogans during his campaign was that Louisiana has spending problem, not a revenue problem.

Cut 6 (10) “made Kennedy popular”

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Today in Washington D.C, John Kennedy will be sworn into the 115th Congress of the United States as Louisiana’s newest Senator. The former state treasurer says he intends to hit the ground running…:

CUT 7 (10)  “lowering taxes”

Kennedy says he doesn’t think the new Congress and the new president are going to spend a lot of time talking and studying, but that the bills will start moving. He says you can bet a major topic will be how to go about getting rid of Obamacare…:

Cut 8 (09) “sure doesn’t”

Kennedy says he feels the US Senate won’t let the current federal health care system lapse without having something new to take its place. He says one of the biggest things he’s going to try to do for Louisianians is get flood relief here quickly…:

Cut 9 (09)  “still affordable”

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Southeastern Louisiana University is urging people to donate their Christmas trees to help save the state’s coast rather than throwing them in the trash. Rob Moreau, manager of SLU’s Turtle Cover Environmental Research Station, says when you put recycled trees into the marsh it can help the shoreline in many ways…

Cut 10 (08) “landfills”

For more drop off information, visit southeastern.edu/turtlecove. Moreau says they are collecting trees at several places around the Hammond area.

cut 11 (11) “restaurants”

Moreau says when the Christmas trees are placed along with shoreline, the trees help to trap the sediments. He says eventually, grass begins to grow inside of the tree.

cut 12 (09) “it works”

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The Smoking Cessation Trust is offering tips to help smokers quit for the New Year. CEO Mike Rogers says this is a great resolution for people to push for. He says most people who try to quit cold turkey are unsuccessful but they have a great program to help…

Cut 13 (09) “medication”

To qualify for the free program you must be a Louisiana resident who has been smoking before Sept. 1, 1988. Rogers says whether you qualify for the program or not, the first step to take when quitting is to set a date to stop smoking and be optimistic.

cut 14 (09) “to be”

Visit smokefreela.org for more info on the program. Rogers says removing cigarettes and tobacco from your home and car will help you not be tempted to smoke. He also suggests getting your teeth cleaned to get rid of smoking stains and improve your outlook.

Cut 15 (06) “do it”

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Saints Coach Sean Payton refused to address rumors on Monday that he could be coaching elsewhere in 2017. He said it would be silly to add fuel to those reports. Quarterback Drew Brees has said that reports of Payton leaving have been completely made up and said it comes with the territory when you don’t make the playoffs…

Cut 16 (14) “there’s going to be speculation”

Brees is coming off another great season. He threw for over 5,000 yards for a 5th time. He also tossed 37 touchdown passes and completed 70% of his passes. The 37-year-old signed a one-year contract extension prior to the start of 2016 season…

Cut 17 (15)    “at a time”

This is the third consecutive year the Saints have not made it to the playoffs. But Brees believes the right guys are in the locker room to make New Orleans a Super Bowl contender again…

Cut 18 (20) “very near future”

State Fire Marshal Butch Browning is reminding everyone ringing in the New Year to be careful when lighting off fireworks. Don Molino has more…

CUT 1 (23) “I’m Don Molino”

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Governor John Bel Edwards has appointed Crowley state lawmaker Jack Montoucet as secretary of the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. Michelle Southern reports…:

Cut 2 (26) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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New Year’s Eve is tomorrow and fireworks are the main attraction but State Fire Marshal Butch Browning is reminding people to always be cautious. Browning says every season, an average of nine people are injured due to fireworks. He reminds everyone to make sure and follow a few simple guidelines when lighting the devices.

Cut 3 (10) “water handy”

Browning says it’s never a good idea to repackage fireworks, like taping a bunch together because it’s a recipe for disaster. He also advises people to purchase fireworks from a licensed dealer and report anyone selling suspiciously to the state fire marshal’s office.

cut 4  (06) “to door”

Browning says some parishes do not allow people to purchase fireworks and set them off, like East Baton Rouge. He advises anyone who isn’t sure if their town or parish allows fireworks to check on the fire marshal’s website.

Cut 5  (10)  “those devices”

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The state Department of Environmental Quality is reminding the public to recycle after the holidays because more waste is produced in December than any other month. Jean Kelly with DEQ says almost everything is recyclable in one way or another.

Cut 6 (09)”recycling days”

Kelly says you can even recycle electronics like computers in some parishes. She says in Easst Baton Rouge Parish, you can find information at brgov.com/recycle about seasonal pickups and recycling from the Capital Area Corporate Recycling Council.

CUT 7 (09)  “and nonprofits” 

Kelly says you can also recycle rechargeable batteries when they no longer hold a charge. She says people can call the Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation at 800-8-BATTERY for more information. She says some parishes have drop off sites for recycling, as well as pickups.

Cut 8 (09) “collecting it”

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Water testing results from more than 400 residences in the town of St. Joseph showed that at least 90 came back positive for levels of lead not safe for consumption. On December 16^th, Governor John Bel Edwards issued a public health emergency for the town after two samples showed high levels, and he ordered testing of every household. State Health Officer Dr. Jimmy Guidry says advises all residents not to drink the water, even if their samples did not contain high levels of lead.

Cut 9 (07)  “for consumption”

Guidry says in many cases, they found that the lead was coming from pipes inside of the home. He says they are offering additional tests to make sure there aren’t other sources of lead in those homes that children could be exposed to.

Cut 10 (09) “and soil”

Guidry says the state is providing residents in St. Joe with drinking water while they look into long term solutions. He says they are also encouraging parents in homes that did not pass the inspection to have their children tested for lead as well.

cut 11 (08) “of this”

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An arrest has been made in a brutal 2015 double slaying in Baton Rouge that claimed the lives of two young women from Texas. BRPD Sgt. L’Jean McKneely says 26-year-old Jonathan Robertson was in the East Baton Rouge Parish Prison on an unrelated attempted robbery charge. He says while Robertson was incarcerated, they were able to secure the weapon he had at the time of his arrest.

cut 12 (09) “2015”

McKneely says Robertson faces two counts of first-degree murder in the horrible deaths of 23-year-olds Brandi Gilbert and Corrine Rayford. He says it’s not known what happened leading up to the vicious attack on the victims…:

Cut 13 (10) “the vehicle”

McKneely says Robertson faces several other charges as it’s believed the man was responsible for a number of crimes after the murders of these women took place. He says they’re asking anyone who may be a potential victim to come forward.

cut 14 (10) “to jail”

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It’s going to be a wet New Years weekend across the Bayou State, and forecasters expect several inches of rain to fall throughout South Louisiana. Alek Krautmann with the National Weather Service in Slidell says the three day event lasts Saturday into Monday…:

Cut 15 (08) “of rain”

Krautmann says the system will come in two waves, the first Saturday evening into the overnight, then there will be a break before more rain arrives late Sunday night into midday Monday. He says the rainfall may result in localized street flooding in poorly drained areas…:

Cut 16  (11)  “minor flooding”