The Transportation Task Force is recommending that lawmakers increase the budget for roads and bridges by $700 million a year. Halen Doughty has more…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

______________________________________

Congressman Garret Graves spoke before the Baton Rouge Press Club to discuss his feelings about flood relief in the state. Don Molino has more….

Cut 2 (24) “I’m Don Molino”

______________________________________

The Louisiana Department of Health has seen an uptick in mumps cases around the country and is concerned the disease could find its way here. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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The Transportation Task Force will vote today on a recommendation that the budget for roads and bridges be increased by $700 million a year. DOTD Secretary Shawn Wilson says the need in Louisiana is great, and in order to address that need, they need an annual infusion of dollars that’s indexed for the Transportation Trust Fund.

cut 4  (07) “million dollars”

Wilson says that money could come from toll roads, public-private partnerships, or an increase in the gas tax. He says the state’s 20-cent gas tax that was imposed 30 years ago is only worth half hat today. He says the state has $16 million in projects needed, including a new Mississippi River Bridge in Baton Rouge, and those projects require funding.

Cut 5  (10)  “state system”

Wilson says addressing all of the state’s needs at once would be impossible, as the state still has a $13 billion backlog of road and bridge needs. But he says that with a good annual investment, Louisiana can have an infrastructure system that we can be proud of.

Cut 6 (07) “onetime solution”

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Congressman Garret Graves spoke before the Baton Rouge Press Club to express his frustration with the flood recovery and what he hopes to accomplish with President- elect Trump. Graves says the fact that some families will not be placed in a FEMA trailer until after Christmas is ridiculous.

CUT 7 (10)  “status quo”

Graves says he’s been able to talk with President-elect Donald Trump along with vice president-elect Mike Pence about the timeline of FEMA assistance. He says both agreed that the efficiency of getting flood relief dollars to victims was absurd…

Cut 8 (10) “for itself”

Graves addressed the Restore Louisiana Taskforce and how relief dollars are being appropriated. He says the flood didn’t discriminate based on income level and neither should the disaster aid.

Cut 9 (12)  “per household”

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The Louisiana Department of Health says they’ve been seeing an uptick in mumps cases around college campuses nationwide but more recently a large concentration in Arkansas. Dr. Frank Welch with LDH says Mississippi and Alabama have seen outbreaks, as well as, a fairly large one in Texas so it’s very concerning…

Cut 10 (07) “this outbreak””

Welch says the mumps is easily spread as it’s airborne and can be passed along by saliva and mucus. He says Louisiana has a very good vaccination rate in children, which is in the mid-90s, and shelters us from this disease somewhat but the public can still take steps to prevent catching the mumps.

cut 11 (10) “your doctor”

But Welch says everyone should be vaccinated for mumps. He says most kids in our state have had two doses of the MMR vaccine but adults can receive it as well.

cut 12 (10) “against this”

________________________________________

New Orleans Representative Helena Moreno has launched a nonprofit organization dedicated to advocating for women’s issues in Louisiana. Moreno says the Ignite Advocacy Network seeks to bring women together to raise awareness, advocate for positive policies, and ignite the network into action.

Cut 13 (12) “a change”

Moreno says Louisiana ranks 49^th for wage equality and 49^th for women’s overall health, with more women dying of breast and cervical cancer in Louisiana than in many other states. She says she wants to address those issues, as well as educational opportunities and domestic violence prevention.

cut 14 (09) “deserve it”

Moreno says Ignite is the next phase of the #ItsNoJoke campaign, which she started after a male lawmaker made degrading jokes about exotic dancers. She invites women around the state to join her effort by visiting IgniteForChange.org.

Cut 15 (11) “things done”

Two new Republican leaders are heading to Washington after GOP victories in both the 3^rd and 4^th Congressional District races. Don Molino has more…

CUT 1 (28) “I’m Don Molino”

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Cardell Hayes will likely serve at least 20 years in prison after being found guilty of manslaughter in the shooting death of former-Saints player Will Smith. Michelle Southern gets an analysis on the verdict…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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As expected, Republican state lawmaker Mike Johnson is the runaway winner in the 4th Congressional District race. The staunch conservative who replaces US Representative John Fleming says he looks forward to being a part of the real reform the Trump Administration is going to lead…:

Cut 3 (10) “in the country”

Johnson says our economy has been in shambles and every bit of change Mr. Trump says he’s going to bring needs to happen. Johnson says he believes the Republican wave moving across the nation means that God has given the nation another chance…:

cut 4  (10) “in generations”

Johnson says government is too large, and it’s doing too many things wrong…:

Cut 5  (09)  “as the state”

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What does a dog do when it catches a car? Those are the words Capt. Clay Higgins used to open his acceptance speech after winning the 3^rd Congressional District race. The former deputy with the St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s office beat Public Service Commissioner Scott Angelle 56 to 44-percent in Saturday’s election.

Cut 6 (07) “overwhelmed”

Higgins perhaps rode a wave of Donald Trump enthusiasm, as the man who has never held an elected office is heading to Washington to represent more than 760-thousand Louisianans.

CUT 7 (08)  “my district”

Higgins says his victory is proof that voters are tired of millionaire career politicians. He says this is a new day for the country, when a working class man driven by the support of his neighbors can succeed against the odds.

Cut 8 (09) “our nation”

________________________________________

Cardell Hayes has been found guilty of manslaughter in the shooting death of former-Saints player Will Smith. Loyola law professor Dane Ciolino says it isn’t surprising the jury went for the manslaughter charge. He says the verdict is consistent with the evidence.

Cut 9 (11)  “the shooting”

Ciolino says while Hayes had to testify in his defense, it certainly didn’t help his case. He says much of what the defendant claimed was not supported by the evidence or witness testimony. He says Hayes’ testimony that was inconsistent with the facts made his self-defense claims less credible.

Cut 10 (11) “any weapons”

Ciolino says the defense spent a lot of time trying to point fingers at police for not handling the evidence properly and the prosecution for misconduct. But he says those attempts at distracting the jury clearly didn’t work.

cut 11 (07) “himself”

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Orleans Parish District Attorney Leon Cannizzaro says he plans to seek the maximum 60-year sentence for Cardell Hayes following his manslaughter conviction in the death of Will Smith, and attempted manslaughter for injuring Smith’s wife. Cannizzaro says he understands why the jury downgraded the charge from second degree murder…:

cut 12 (12) “aggressive fashion”

Cannizzaro says this was the murder of a hero who was just trying to have fun in New Orleans…:

Cut 13 (10) “road rage incident”

Manslaughter carries a sentence of 20-40 years, and attempted manslaughter a maximum of 20 years. Cannizzaro says when Hayes is sentenced on February 17th, the judge will have the discretion to impose a sentence of up to 60 years. He says that day they will present victim impact because they believe Hayes should get the maximum…:

cut 14 (12) “come out”

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Following the Republican sweep of federal runoff elections on Saturday, the GOP of Louisiana says this is proof that Democratic Governor John Bel Edwards’ election was a fluke. Executive Director of the Republican Party of Louisiana Jason Dore says Foster Campbell didn’t lose the US Senate race because he’s a Democrat, he lost because of ties to the governor.

Cut 15 (04) “he endorsed”

Dore says the governor loaned Campbell his entire campaign team for the failed effort. He adds that last year’s gubernatorial race had more to do with scandal than platforms.

Cut 16  (07)  “the race”

Dore says voters made it clear Saturday that they reject Democratic policies, as evidenced by Edwards going 0 for 4 on his endorsements in the runoffs. He says Edwards’ days in the Governor’s Mansion are numbered, and he fully expects the Governor to be voted out of office in the next race.

Cut 17 (08) “in 2019”

Louisiana Democrats did get a win in Baton Rouge with the election of Sharon Weston Broome as Mayor/President.

_________________________________________________________

Now that Republican State Treasurer John Kennedy a U.S. Senator, he says he’ll work to solve Louisiana’s problem. Jeff Palermo has more…

CUT 1 (25) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Two polls find a majority of Louisianans believe President-elect Trump should repeal Obamacare and replace it with a new healthcare system. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

______________________________________

Republicans have a stronger majority in the US Senate after Republican John Kennedy’s victory Saturday. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

_____________________________________________

Cardell Hayes has been found guilty of manslaughter in the shooting death of former Saints star Will Smith. Hayes was also found guilty of attempted manslaughter for shooting Smith’s wife during the April 9th road rage incident in New Orleans. Former Saints running back Deuce McAllister was there when the verdict was read and says this was not a win for anybody…

cut 4  (07) “really win”

Hayes could have been found guilty of second-degree murder for the road rage shooting. He faces up to 40 years in prison and sentencing is set for February 17th. It took 5.5 hours before the jury reached the verdict. McAllister says there is some relief that Hayes was found guilty of a crime, but it’s still not a win….

Cut 5  (10)  “for everybody”

District Attorney Leon Cannizaro says they are gratified for the verdict. Hayes’ lead attorney John Fuller says they respect the jury’s decision and they’ll regroup and see what the next approach is. McAllister spoke with Smith’s widow, Racquel, and says it’s very painful time for the family…

Cut 6 (12) “not there”

________________________________________

Two different polls show a majority of Louisiana residents agree with repealing the Affordable Care Act, better known as Obamacare. Pollster Ed Chervenak says in a telephone survey conducted by the University of New Orleans Survey Research Center, 66-percent of 776 people polled support the idea…

CUT 7 (08)  “right idea”

Chervenak says the poll also found men are more interested in the complete repeal of the Affordable Care Act than women.

Cut 8 (06) “our men”

A poll by Southern Media and Opinion Research found 56-percent of Louisianans surveyed believe President-elect Trump should repeal Obamacare and replace it with a new healthcare plan. But Pollster Bernie Pinsonat says 34-percent oppose the replacement…

Cut 9 (07)  “Democrats”

________________________________________

Now that Republican State Treasurer John Kennedy has been elected as U.S. Senator, he plans to tackle some of Louisiana’s problems in Washington D.C. Kennedy says it’s time for a change and the first thing he will fight for is additional relief for our flood victims.

Cut 10 (06)  “afford it”

Kennedy says he will fight to bring more jobs to Louisiana. He says we have the third highest unemployment rate in the country.

cut 11 (08) “those jobs”

The future U.S. Senator says our economy is in trouble and he’ll work to fix that.

cut 12 (08) “of 08”

________________________________________

John Kennedy’s victory in the US Senate race gives the GOP a larger majority, 52 republicans to 48 democrats in the upper chamber. ULM political science professor Dr. Joshua Stockley says this is an important win for Republicans, because it gives them a larger cushion to deal with issues as they arise in the Senate.

Cut 13 (06) “tie breaker”

Stockley expects efforts to repeal the Affordable Care Act and passing immigration reform will be close votes because these issues divide both parties. He says Obamacare is the chief accomplishment of the Obama Administration, and Democrats won’t want to give it up. He says 52 votes won’t be enough to pass more contentious bills.

cut 14 (09) “is 60”

Stockley doesn’t expect every vote to be an uphill battle. He says both parties can agree on things like infrastructure and reducing the national deficit. But he says we’ve seen a growing divide between the parties over the past few years.

Cut 15 (09) “reversing itself”

_________________________________________________

Who Dat fans are not happy once again as the Saints lose in an ugly fashion. New Orleans didn’t score a touchdown for the second week in a row in the 16-11 loss to Tampa Bay. Coach Sean Payton says the early penalties set the tone for this game…:

Cut 16 (15) “we’ve gotta be better”

At this point the Saints chances at making it into the post season are slim to none. Payton says this is a disappointing loss…:

Cut 17 (12)    “time and time again”

Tampa Bay picked off quarterback Drew Brees three times and New Orleans was only able to pick up 294 yards — the third lowest of the season. Brees says the overall production the team is capable of is just not there…:

Cut 18 (12) “that’s gonna be positive”

Now that Republican State Treasurer John Kennedy a U.S. Senator, he says he’ll work to solve Louisiana’s problem. Jeff Palermo has more…

CUT 1 (25) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________

Two polls find a majority of Louisianans believe President-elect Trump should repeal Obamacare and replace it with a new healthcare system. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

______________________________________

Republicans have a stronger majority in the US Senate after Republican John Kennedy’s victory Saturday. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

_____________________________________________

Cardell Hayes has been found guilty of manslaughter in the shooting death of former Saints star Will Smith. Hayes was also found guilty of attempted manslaughter for shooting Smith’s wife during the April 9th road rage incident in New Orleans. Former Saints running back Deuce McAllister was there when the verdict was read and says this was not a win for anybody…

cut 4  (07) “really win”

Hayes could have been found guilty of second-degree murder for the road rage shooting. He faces up to 40 years in prison and sentencing is set for February 17th. It took 5.5 hours before the jury reached the verdict. McAllister says there is some relief that Hayes was found guilty of a crime, but it’s still not a win….

Cut 5  (10)  “for everybody”

District Attorney Leon Cannizaro says they are gratified for the verdict. Hayes’ lead attorney John Fuller says they respect the jury’s decision and they’ll regroup and see what the next approach is. McAllister spoke with Smith’s widow, Racquel, and says it’s very painful time for the family…

Cut 6 (12) “not there”

________________________________________

Two different polls show a majority of Louisiana residents agree with repealing the Affordable Care Act, better known as Obamacare. Pollster Ed Chervenak says in a telephone survey conducted by the University of New Orleans Survey Research Center, 66-percent of 776 people polled support the idea…

CUT 7 (08)  “right idea”

Chervenak says the poll also found men are more interested in the complete repeal of the Affordable Care Act than women.

Cut 8 (06) “our men”

A poll by Southern Media and Opinion Research found 56-percent of Louisianans surveyed believe President-elect Trump should repeal Obamacare and replace it with a new healthcare plan. But Pollster Bernie Pinsonat says 34-percent oppose the replacement…

Cut 9 (07)  “Democrats”

________________________________________

Now that Republican State Treasurer John Kennedy has been elected as U.S. Senator, he plans to tackle some of Louisiana’s problems in Washington D.C. Kennedy says it’s time for a change and the first thing he will fight for is additional relief for our flood victims.

Cut 10 (06)  “afford it”

Kennedy says he will fight to bring more jobs to Louisiana. He says we have the third highest unemployment rate in the country.

cut 11 (08) “those jobs”

The future U.S. Senator says our economy is in trouble and he’ll work to fix that.

cut 12 (08) “of 08”

________________________________________

John Kennedy’s victory in the US Senate race gives the GOP a larger majority, 52 republicans to 48 democrats in the upper chamber. ULM political science professor Dr. Joshua Stockley says this is an important win for Republicans, because it gives them a larger cushion to deal with issues as they arise in the Senate.

Cut 13 (06) “tie breaker”

Stockley expects efforts to repeal the Affordable Care Act and passing immigration reform will be close votes because these issues divide both parties. He says Obamacare is the chief accomplishment of the Obama Administration, and Democrats won’t want to give it up. He says 52 votes won’t be enough to pass more contentious bills.

cut 14 (09) “is 60”

Stockley doesn’t expect every vote to be an uphill battle. He says both parties can agree on things like infrastructure and reducing the national deficit. But he says we’ve seen a growing divide between the parties over the past few years.

Cut 15 (09) “reversing itself”

_________________________________________________

Secretary of State Tom Schedler expects voter turnout to be low for tomorrow’s election. Michelle Southern has more…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

______________________________________

President-elect Donald Trump laid out the agenda for his presidency during a speech in front of supporters in Baton Rouge. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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The election cycle finally comes to an end tomorrow in Louisiana, and voter turnout is expected to be much lower than in November. Secretary of State Tom Schedler says early voter turnout was much lower for the runoff than it was in the general election.

Cut 3 (10) “in November”

Schedler expects an overall voter turnout around 30-percent for Saturday’s election. He says voter fatigue has hit, and now people are more worried about getting ready for the holidays.

cut 4  (09) “is elsewhere”

Schedler says there are 156 propositions across 44 parishes up for vote, and the US Senate race will be on the ballot statewide. He says while many parishes will only have one item on the ballot, some precincts still have heated races.

Cut 5  (09)  “local election”

Polls will be open from 7:00 a.m. until 8 p.m.

______________________________________

The University of New Orleans Survey Research Center finds Republican U.S. Senate candidate John Kennedy continues to have a huge lead over Democrat Foster Campbell in Saturday’s election. UNO Pollster Ed Chervenak says 62-percent of the 776 respondents favored Kennedy while 33-percent supported Campbell.

Cut 6 (09) “Republican’s favor”

Since the November election, Campbell has trailed Kennedy by double digits in all the polls that have been published. Chervenak says Campbell has been hurt by the lack of strong support within the Democratic Party.

CUT 7 (09)  “as Republicans”

________________________________________

New audio has been released of a conversation between Capt. Clay Higgins and his ex-wife in which the 3^rd Congressional District candidate suggested winning the election would help him pay child support. UL-Lafayette political science professor Pearson Cross says it’s clear Higgins didn’t know the phone conversation was recorded, so hard to say how this impacts the election.

Cut 8 (09) “advantage of”

Higgins reportedly owes more than $100-thousand in child support to ex-wife Rosemary Rothkamm-Hambrice. Cross says Higgins’ personal issues that have been arising throughout the campaign are problems that the public can relate to.

Cut 9 (08)  “doing that”

In the latest poll from the Trafalgar Group, Higgins leads Public Service Commissioner Scott Angelle 49-46 percent. Cross says one thing that may give Angelle some hope is that the voters who turn out for this runoff are different than those who voted in the Presidential election

Cut 10 (09) “enthusiasm”

________________________________________________

With the state facing another year of budget problems, Governor John Bel Edwards says it’s time to create a tax structure that’s fair and predictable and able to pay for state services. Lawmakers learned earlier this week that the state has a budget deficit that’s grown to 600-million dollars and Edwards says there’s one area of the tax code he would like to fix…

cut 11 (07) “better”

Earlier this year the legislature approved 1.5 billion dollars in tax increases to help fill a huge budget gap when Edwards walked into office. But Edwards says that wasn’t enough to prevent cuts to government services and Louisiana residents deserve more…

cut 12 (08) “that problem”

________________________________________________

President-elect Donald Trump was in Baton Rouge Friday afternoon to support Republican John Kennedy in the US Senate race. Mr. Trump says Kennedy has worked hard for Louisianans over the years.

Cut 13 (12) “for Louisiana”

Mr. Trump encouraged everyone to hit the polls on Election Day. He told supporters at the rally, if they go vote, Kennedy will win, but if they don’t, he will not. Mr. Trump says he needs Kennedy in Washington to help accomplish their agenda, including protecting the southern border.

cut 14 (10) “come out”

Democrat Foster Campbell spent Friday meeting with reporters in Baton Rouge and then had campaign stops in Alexandria and Lake Charles.  He says his record speaks for itself.

Cut 15 (11) “service commission”

Campbell says Kennedy has been back and forth on both sides of the issues for his whole career. He adds that he’s been consistent.

Cut 16  (08)  “head up”

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Life expectancy in the US has decreased by one month over the past year, according to the National Center for Health Statistics. Jeff Palermo has more…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________

Governor John Bel Edwards discussed his priorities for 2017 during a speech at the Council for a Better Louisiana annual conference. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

______________________________________

President-elect Donald Trump will speak in Baton Rouge today to support Republican John Kennedy in the US Senate race. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 3 (27) “I’m Halen Doughty”

_____________________________________________

Life expectancy has decreased in the US for the first time in more than 20 years, according to the National Center for Health Statistics. The report found that overall life expectancy dropped by one month from 2014 to 2015. Doctor Ben Springgate with LSU Health New Orleans Internal Medicine and Public Health says this may be due to an increase in heart disease.

cut 4  (10) “to this”

The report found that the death rate from heart disease rose by nearly 1-percent last year. Springgate says life expectancy has increased in years past, because of medical advances. But he says health outcomes are declining because of people’s lifestyles.

Cut 5  (11)  “our diet”

Springgate says obesity leads to things like diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease. According to the report, male life expectancy decreased from 76.5 over the last year, while it fell from 81.3 to 81.2 for females. He says there are steps we can take to boost life expectancy.

Cut 6 (10) “the trend”

________________________________________

It’s a chilly day across the Bayou State. Tim Humphrey with the National Weather Service in Lake Charles says Louisianans will want to bundle up when they head out the door this morning.

CUT 7 (10)  “below freezing”

Humphrey says this is the first real cold snap we’ve seen all season, as much of the state has been unusually warm so far. He says it won’t get much warmer as the day goes on.

Cut 8 (07) “40s”

Humphrey says although Friday morning will be the coldest day of the weekend, we’re also in store for more chilly temperatures tomorrow.

Cut 9 (11)  “low 30s”

Humphrey says things will start to warm up again early next week, getting into the 50s and 60s around the state.

________________________________________

Governor John Bel Edwards talked about some of his priorities for 2017 during a speech at the Council for a Better Louisiana annual conference. Edwards says his big goal is to ensure the state uses money from the Transportation Trust Fund in the right places, like improving the daily congestion in Baton Rouge near the I-10 Mississippi River Bridge…  

Cut 10 (10)  “street exit”

Edwards also says the Atchafalaya Basin Bridge will be widened, along with other sections of I-10 in Baton Rouge. The governor’s task force on transportation will likely support a higher gasoline tax in order to improve our highways. Edwards says our interstate system needs to be upgraded, as we saw portions of our major highways closed because of flooding this year.

cut 11 (10) “happen again”

The governor says he’s proud some of the successes the state has had this year, like Medicaid expansion. Edwards added he’s looking forward to working with President-elect Trump to help address Louisiana’s needs. He says next year we’ll have the chance to enact criminal justice reform.

cut 12 (10) “have done”

________________________________________

President-elect Donald Trump will be in Baton Rouge today to support Republican John Kennedy in the US Senate race. The visit comes after Trump and Vice President-elect Mike Pence endorsed the State Treasurer. Kennedy says he’s humbled by Mr. Trump’s visit.

Cut 13 (07) “obviously”

Kennedy has been leading in the polls since the primary, but he says he’s not taking anything for granted. He hopes the visit from the President-elect will encourage voters to get out to the polls on Saturday.

cut 14 (10) “for me”

Trump will speak in the Dow Chemical Hangar at the Baton Rouge Airport this afternoon. Democrat Foster Campbell isn’t worried Trump’s visit will give his opponent an edge on Election Day.

Cut 15 (07) “to death”

Campbell says anytime a president comes to a state it’s good for the state, so he doesn’t mind Trump visiting the Capital City. The Public Service Commissioner says he agrees with plenty of things Trump will push for after taking office.

Cut 16 (08) “that too”

_________________________________________________

The non-select state football championships begin today in the Mercedes Benz Superdome. One of the more anticipated match-ups is tomorrow afternoon’s Class Four-A championship as Karr takes on Neville in a rematch of last year’s title game won by Neville. Karr Head Coach Brice Brown says they need a good game from running back Santee Marshall

Cut 17 (18)    “off balance”

In the Class 3-A state championship game, Lutcher is seeking to go back-to-back for the first time in school history. The Bulldogs will face Amite and Lutcher Head Coach Dwain Jenkins says they haven’t played their best football in the postseason…

Cut 18 (15) “week out”

The Allstate Sugar Bowl Prep Classic concludes Saturday night with the Class 5A championship game as Landry-Walker faces West Monroe. Landry-Walker Head Coach Emmanuel Powell expects an intense game…

Cut 19 (18)   “dangerous situations”

West Monroe Head Coach Jerry Arledge says they need to win the time of possession…

cut 20 (14)   “this year”

There are two U.S. House seats remaining on the ballot for this Saturday’s election. Jeff Palermo has more on the competitive races…

CUT 1 (31) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________

Secretary of State Tom Schedler would like to end December elections in Louisiana because they usually have a low turnout. Michelle Southern has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

______________________________________

The two remaining U.S. House races in Louisiana are heating up as the election is only two days away. In the 3^rd Congressional District, two Republicans are facing off for the open seat. ULM Political Science Professor John Sutherlin says Clay Higgins has taken to social media portraying himself as the Cajun Donald Trump and that’s brought in supporters.

Cut 3 (10) “Angelle”

Sutherlin says Higgin’s opponent, Scott Angelle, is far more moderate and he expects African Americans will be drawn to him. He says Higgins has been so successful because he’s riding a wave of anti-establishment politicians.

cut 4  (08) “career politician”

There seems to be less excitement in the northwestern part of the state in the 4^th Congressional District race with Republican Mike Johnson and Democrat Marshall Jones. Sutherlin says Johnson is projected to win this seat.

Cut 5  (10)  “white democrats”

______________________________________

Secretary of State Tom Schedler says based on the likelihood of low turnout on Saturday’s elections, he would like to have a conversations with the legislature about ending December elections. He says it might make more sense to have the primary for federal elections in early October and the runoff in November.

Cut 6 (11) “and seniority”

Schedler says Louisiana is the only state that still has elections looming in December. He says it’s difficult to get voting machines delivered during the holiday season because so many trucks are being used to deliver Christmas cards and presents from online orders. He says they also have a hard time finding commissioners to work December elections.

CUT 7 (07)  “can’t attend”

Schedler says having the runoff in December leads to lower voter turnout because people are so fed up with elections by this time. He says he’ll talk to legislators more about this next year in the hopes of moving up the federal elections in 2018.

Cut 8 (10) “this year”

________________________________________

An Affordable Housing Expo will be held in Baton Rouge this weekend for flood victims. Mike Steele with GOHSEP says there are people at different stages of recovery, so there will be a variety of housing options on display. He says people can come see manufactured and modular homes, park trailers and pre-fab housing.

Cut 9 (09)  “their recovery”

Another housing option featured at the expo will be the newly popular tiny houses, which are less 500 or less square feet and they contain a kitchen, bedroom and bathroom. Steele says while a lot of people use these as permanent homes, they will also work as temporary housing options while people rebuild.

Cut 10 (10) “they’re made”

The free expo will be held at Celtic Studios, where the disaster recovery center is set up. Steele says they’ll have a kids area with activities to keep children entertained while parents tour the homes. He says other services will also be available at the expo.

cut 11 (09) “on hand”

The expo will be open from noon until 8 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. until 3 pm Saturday.

________________________________________________

Louisiana is seeing the coldest temperatures of the season so far and many folks are finding themselves becoming more in the holiday spirit as a result. That’s according to Dr. Michelle Moore, clinical psychologist with LSU Health Sciences Center. She says you could even argue the cold weather Christmas Spirit is good for the economy…:

cut 12 (06) “while it’s cold”

Moore says for kids and even grownups, since Santa lives in the North Pole, we feel closer to Ole Saint Nick when we’re cold. She says there are many Christmas traditions centered around cold weather…:

Cut 13 (10) “not as fun”

Moore says we’ll even become more in the holiday spirit the colder it gets…:

cut 14 (08) “in a good way”

_________________________________________________

Louisiana has the best business climate for construction, according to a report from American Builders and Contractors. Halen Doughty has more…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

______________________________________

Canadian air is moving towards Louisiana and bringing winter weather with it. Jeff Palermo reports…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________

A mental health reform bill co-authored by U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy is on its way to be signed into law by President Obama. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

_____________________________________________

A report from American Builders and Contractors ranks Louisiana as the best business climate for construction. Vice President of Governmental Affairs with ABC of Louisiana, John Walters, says that’s due in large part to legislation state lawmakers have passed that benefits the construction industry.

cut 4  (12) “labor agreements”

Walters says the report shows you can have a very good career in the construction industry and there’s a demand for those workers.

Cut 5  (11)  “in Louisiana”

Another ABC report ranked Louisiana 8^th for year-to-year changes in the construction unemployment rate. Walters says that’s because projects come and go in the Bayou State. But he’s optimistic that this new ranking will persuade more companies to build in Louisiana.

Cut 6 (11) “of workers”

________________________________________

Tis the season for holiday parties, and that means your company Christmas party too. Tulane business professor Dr. Mark Rosa says now that we’re out of the recession, he expects most companies will throw parties this year.

CUT 7 (08)  “get-together”

Rosa encourages everyone to attend their company’s holiday party. He says corporations put on these events so that employees can get together and socialize. He says it’s important to circulate at the party and detach from technology.

Cut 8 (08) “somebody else”

Rosa says people should avoid “talking shop” at their office parties and keep the conversation light, and they should avoid running out early. He says people can have fun at their company parties, but says moderation is key.

Cut 9 (08)  “in moderation”

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Cold temperatures are on the way to the Bayou State. That’s according to state climatologist Barry Keim, who says it’s time for Louisianans to break out the winter gear.

Cut 10 (10)  “the state”

Keim says people in some areas of the state will want to bring an umbrella with them today. And high temperatures will only be in the 40s for most of the state.

cut 11 (09) “from Louisiana”

Keim says below freezing temperatures will arrive before the weekend starts.

cut 12 (12) “southern half”

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A landmark mental health reform bill co-authored by Republican U.S Senator Bill Cassidy is on its way to be signed into law by the President. Cassidy says this measure will expand access to resources for those who need treatment for mental illnesses

Cut 13 (10) “health needs”

Cassidy says this legislation will also keep mentally ill individuals from going to jail and instead allow them to receive out-patient treatment. He says family members will also have an easier time to converse with doctors about the mental health of a loved one.

cut 14 (11) “mental illness”

The Mental Health Reform Act of 2016 also strengthens suicide prevention. And he says the measure will provide more funding for the massive opioid crisis.

Cut 15 (10) “that addiction”

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The Saints are getting to play one of the hotter teams in the NFC. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have won four in a row and moved into a first place tie with Atlanta in the NFC South. New Orleans quarterback Drew Brees says Tampa Bay is doing a lot of things well on defense…

Cut 16 (19) “opportunistic”

Brees was one of several current and former Saints players who were on hand for the opening day of testimony in the Will Smith murder trial. He says him and wife Brittany wanted to be there for Smith’s widow, Racquel

Cut 17 (19)    “that time”

President-elect Donald Trump will be in Baton Rouge Friday to encourage Louisianans to vote for Republican John Kennedy for U.S. Senate. Emelie Gunn has more…

CUT 1 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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More than $1 billion in Community Development Block Grants for Louisiana is included in a continuing resolution that’s moving through Congress. Michelle Southern has more…

Cut 2 (28) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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An entire family from Bunkie has been arrested on bomb making charges. Avoyelles Sheriff Doug Anderson says they executed a warrant on 38-year-old Jenus Juneau, who was accused of stealing $12-thousand worth of household goods, guns, and jewelry on Sunday.

Cut 3 (12) “zone established”

Anderson says Juneau’s wife, Kristina, and their two 19-year-old children were also charged with manufacture and possession of delayed action incendiary device. He says they’re still working to determine why this family was making pipe bombs.

cut 4  (09) “reason why”

Bond was set at $50-thousand for Jenus, who is also charged with theft, and $40-thousand for the rest of the family.

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The Republican Party of Louisiana has confirmed President-elect Donald Trump will be in Baton Rouge on Friday for a get out to vote rally encouraging voters to cast their ballot for Republican John Kennedy for U.S. Senate. UL-Lafayette Political Science Professor Pearson Cross expects a huge frenzy of supporters to be in attendance.

Cut 5  (09)  “a bottle”

The event is open to the general public, but they must RSVP. Cross says Trump understands the importance of having another Republican in the Senate. He says he’ll have a clear message to voters.

Cut 6 (09) “to do”

The event beings at noon inside the Dow Chemical Hanger at the Baton Rouge Airport. Cross says Trump’s visit isn’t really necessary given Kennedy is leading Democrat Foster Campbell by double digits in the polls, but it’s a nice gesture by the President-elect.

CUT 7 (09)  “Kennedy”

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The US House Appropriations Committee has approved a continuing resolution that contains $1.2 billion in Community Development Block Grants for Louisiana flood relief. The governor’s communications director Richard Carbo says they still have a long way to go, but they’re thankful for the support their seeing from Congress.

Cut 8 (12) “as possible”

Carbo says it’s not the full amount they’re requesting, but they’re pleased with this allocation, which will be used to help flooded homeowners. He adds that Congress should be voting on the proposal by the end of the week, which will also contain dollars to fund other flood repair projects.

Cut 9 (10)  “for Louisiana”

Carbo says the governor will head back to Washington in the spring to seek the additional funding Louisiana needs for flood recovery. He says the federal government has outlined the guidelines for allocating the $438 million the state has already received, and the state is working on the plan for spending the money.

Cut 10 (09) “record pace”

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LSU releases the details on defensive coordinator Dave Aranda’s new three-year contract extension that also makes him the associate head coach. Tiger Rag Editor Cody Worsham says he’s earned the distinction of being the highest paid assistant in college football.

cut 11 (08) “every dollar “

Aranda’s contract runs until March of 2020 and includes a first year salary of 1.8 million dollars. It goes up to 1.9 million in the final year. Worsham expects whoever is hired as the offensive coordinator will receive a similar salary.

cut 12 (10) “it is”

Aranda’s deal is pending approval from the LSU Board of Supervisors. Worsham says the contract contains buyout language that favors LSU, which means Aranda should be here for awhile…

Cut 13 (10) “have him”

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The Department of Children and Family Services is excited to announce Louisiana broke a record for the number of children adopted in a year. Emelie Gunn has more…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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AAA warns against drowsy driving this holiday season. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Former and currents Saints players showed up for the first day of Will Smith’s murder trial. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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Louisiana broke the state’s record for the number of foster children adoptions within a year. 735 children were adopted by 532 families between October of 2015 and September of 2016. Department of Children and Family Services Secretary Marketa Garner Walters says she couldn’t be more thankful for these families.

cut 4  (09) “can celebrate”

Walters says all of the children in state care have a history of either abuse or neglect with a big majority being under the age of five. She says while it’s exciting so many children found foster homes, many are still without a family.

Cut 5  (10)  “this year”

For information on adopting a foster child, visit the department of children and family services website. Walters says many people adopt more than one child with 109 families adopting two kids, 19 families adopting three and nine adopting four children. She says foster parents get so much out of adoption…

Cut 6 (11) “a parent”

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With people getting ready to hit the road for holiday travels, AAA warns drivers to avoid drowsy driving. According to the AAA Foundation report, you double the chances of getting into a wreck if you only get 5 to 6 hours of sleep, and the risk increases by 11 if you get less than four hours of shut eye. Spokesperson Don Redman says being tired behind the wheel is a form of impairment.

CUT 7 (08)  “of cocktails”

Redman says nearly 21-percent of fatal crashes result in people falling asleep behind wheel, resulting in about 75-hundred fatalities nationwide a year. He says it’s no surprise most drowsy driving is reported between 2 am and 5 am. But he says a lot of people admit to being tired behind the wheel in broad daylight.

Cut 8 (08) “the wheel”

AAA finds that nearly one in three drivers admitted to drowsy driving at least once in the past month. Redman says there are ways people can avoid being tired while driving on long trips.

Cut 9 (09)  “more sleep”

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Ronald Gasser, the man accused of fatally shooting former NFL player and John Curtis star Joe McKnight last week, has been charged with manslaughter, so what will be the key factors in a likely trial? Legal analyst Tim Meche says Gasser’s testimony will be the biggest factor. He says if Gasser can explain a reasonable fear to the jury, he could be found not guilty….

Cut 10 (10)  “the defendant”

Jefferson Parish Sheriff Newell Normand says it’s possible the manslaughter charge could be upgraded or downgraded based on future evidence. Meche says the Jefferson Parish D-A’s office could also let a grand jury have a say….

cut 11 (11) “of him”

Meche says it appears the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office conducted a very professional investigation in a tidal wave of criticism, which will likely help them build a better case. He says there is a state law that will play a big role in this case and that gives a person the right to shoot and kill someone attempting to invade your vehicle…

cut 12 (10) “this case”

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The first day of the murder trial for former-Saints star Will Smith was filled with emotional testimony. Loyola law professor Dane Ciolino says the biggest surprise was that former running back Deuce McAllister took the stand early in the day to testify about his friendship with Smith and his time with the Saints.

Cut 13 (12) “and celebrity”

Current and former Saints players Drew Brees, Steve Gleason, Roman Harper, and Jahri Evans were also in the courtroom showing support for Smith’s family. Ciolino says it makes a difference who the victim is in any homicide case, which is the biggest problem Cardell Hayes’ defense is facing.

cut 14 (11) “self-defense case”

The prosecution is arguing that Hayes was the aggressor in the incident because he rammed Smith’s car. The defense says that Smith was the aggressor and that he was reaching for a gun. Ciolino says the jury being sequestered will make everyone want to get through with the trial as quickly as possible.

Cut 15 (11) “quicker pace”

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Some LSU fans are gearing up to head to Orlando for the Citrus Bowl later this month, but so far ticket sales are lagging a bit. That’s according to LSU ticket manager, Brian Broussard, who says so far only about 4-thousand tickets have been sold.

Cut 16 (11) “the game”

The Tigers will face Louisville in the bowl game on December 31. Broussard says they still have over 5-thousand tickets available through their ticket office and you can get a good seat at a good price.

Cut 17 (13)    “lower levels”

Broussard says this game will be a good matchup and hopes fans will come out and support the Tigers. He says LSU fans shouldn’t let the 11 am Eastern Time kickoff discourage them.

Cut 18 (09) “New Years”