A proposed pipeline that would go through the Atchafalaya Basin from Calcasieu to St. James Parish is upsetting many environmental groups in the state. Emelie Gunn has more….

CUT 1 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

______________________________________

The weather has been hard to keep up with lately in Louisiana. Halen Doughty has more on what we can expect in the coming days…

Cut 2 (26) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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A Denham Springs woman has been arrested for allegedly selling fake driver’s licenses to illegal immigrants. Denham Springs Police Chief Shannon Womack says the investigation began after an illegal alien was pulled over in a traffic stop on December 20th.

Cut 3 (10) “got it from”

Womack says the investigation led them to 59-year-old Criselda Meraz, who worked at River Road Notary Tax Title. He says detective executed a search warrant on the business on December 23rd.

cut 4  (04) “driver’s licenses”

Womack says they also discovered material and equipment to make more fake IDs, as well as $30-thuousand in cash. He says Meraz faces multiple charges, including forgery.

Cut 5  (07)  “police department”

Womack adds that the investigation is ongoing, and more charges and arrests are possible.

______________________________________

Not everyone is happy with the proposal to install an underground pipeline through the Atchafalaya Basin. The Bayou Bridge Pipeline would run across 11 parishes spanning from Calcasieu to St. James Parish. Director of the environmental group, The Bucket Brigade, Anne Rolfes says Louisiana needs to stop seeing the oil and gas sectors as the only economic engine, as the renewable energy business is booming.

Cut 6 (08)”cleaner jobs”

Proponents of the Bayou Bridge Pipeline say it would improve safety, as there is a greater chance for a spill when transporting oil on a truck or train. But Rolfes says these claims of improved safety are bogus.

CUT 7 (10)  “about accidents” 

The pipeline is connected with the highly publicized Dakota Pipeline and the oil companies say the Bayou Bridge Pipeline could boost the state’s economy. A public hearing on the pipeline’s application is set for January 12^th. Rolfes encourages everyone to attend and says running another pipeline through a sensitive area will negatively affect our drinking water and crawfish harvest.

Cut 8 (06) “stand up”

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A Houston man was arrested in Jefferson Davis Parish after a road rage incident where he pointed a hand gun at another driver. Chief Deputy Christopher Ivey says officers responded to a call reporting the incident and pulled over 29-year-old Michael Banks on I-10. He says Banks admitted to having a gun but denied pointing it anyone.

Cut 9 (10)  “the weapon”

Ivey says during the traffic stop, deputies smelled a strong odor of marijuana. He says a K-9 unit was called to the scene and the drug was found wrapped up like a Christmas present.

Cut 10 (08) “New Orleans”

Ivey says Banks’ road rage is what got him in trouble. He says Banks faces multiple charges including, aggravated assault with a firearm and possession of Marijuana with intent.

cut 11 (04) “the month”

_________________________________________________

Many Louisianans are struggling with whether to break out their summer attire or more winter gear. Robert Ricks with the National Weather Service says the pattern of hot then cold weather will continue for the next month or so. He says right now, warm air has settled over the Bayou State.

cut 12 (11) “this far south”

Ricks says unfortunately, unseasonably warm temperatures often come with fog. He says fog is covering much of south Louisiana in the mornings, from Lake Charles to the Mississippi coast.

Cut 13 (09) “lot of fog”

Ricks says things will start to cool down again later in the week, but only for a little while.

cut 14 (08) “the weekend”

Ricks says we could be looking at a potential for severe weather by Sunday or Monday when things warm back up.

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Officials are once again warning the public about more designer drugs that are making the rounds with a high potential of overdose. Don Molino reports

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Don Molino”

______________________________________

The Louisiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence receives a grant to help victims of domestic violence in Acadiana and central Louisiana become financially stable. Halen Doughty has more…:

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

______________________________________

Weather events in Louisiana caused a lot of destruction in 2016. Jeff Palermo looks back…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Officials are once again warning the public about more designer drugs that are making the rounds with a high potential of overdose. East Baton Rouge Parish Coroner Dr. Beau Clark says a recent death as been confirmed to be directly related to the use of “Novel Psychoactive or Synthetic Opiod Substances.” He says they aren’t sold locally yet…:

cut 4  (09) “one dose”

Clark says these drugs are not new, but they are deadly chemical compounds of other drugs designed to exploit temporary loopholes in current laws. He says these chemists who create the opiod-like substances have no regard for public safety…:

Cut 5  (08)  “these drugs”

Clark says one of these substances is known as “pinky” which is around 7 and a half times more potent than morphine and been associated with numerous fatalities across the US. He says they wanted to make an immediate notification to those in possession of or are considering to use any of these designer drugs…:

Cut 6 (07) “very rapidly”

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The Louisiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence has received a grant from the Allstate Foundation to set up Financial Empowerment Programs in Acadiana and Central Louisiana. Coalition Interim Executive Director Mariah Wineski says financial abuse occurs in 99-percent of domestic violence cases.

CUT 7 (10)  “abuser”

Wineski says the money will fund financial education, credit repair, and matched savings programs for domestic violence victims. She says Louisiana received $50-thousand of the grant, which totaled $1.2 million and benefited more than 40 programs across the country.

Cut 8 (11) “of Louisiana”

Wineski says they hope to serve over 500 people at Faith House Acadiana and Safety Net for Abused Persons. She says they are optimistic they will be able to help more victims in Louisiana achieve financial stability in the future.

Cut 9 (07)  “statewide”

________________________________________

2016 will be remembered for two significant flood events, one in north Louisiana and the other in south Louisiana, which killed 13 people in August. State Climatologist Barry Keim says the north Louisiana flood event took place between March 7th and 12th. He says between 15 to 25 inches of rain fell…

Cut 10 (09) “four days”

In August, Keim says the state experienced an unprecedented rain event.  30-thousand people had to be rescued and nearly 150-thousand homes damaged. He says the largest rainfall total was in Livingston parish…

cut 11 (09) “in Louisiana”

But once the flood waters receded, the state  experienced several weeks without any rainfall, making this another unusual weather year

cut 12 (08) “extreme drought”

________________________________________

A study from Bankrate-dot-com finds 52-percent of Americans do not plan on using all of their vacation days this year. The report also notes that most of the workers who are not taking all of their vacation days, will have five days or more unused. Melissa Elliot is the owner of Express Employment Professionals and she says it’s just hard for some people to get away

Cut 13 (08) “what they do”

Elliot owns an employment services firm in Baton Rouge and Covington. She says employers like hard-working individuals, but there’s a reason why they give vacation time and many would prefer for you to use all of your days…

cut 14 (10) “with here”

Elliot says this study shows that many people love what they do…

Cut 15 (08) “what they want”

_________________________________________________

The LSU Tigers have one more practice in Baton Rouge today and then its off to Orlando where the Bayou Bengals will complete their preparations for Saturday’s Citrus Bowl matchup with Louisville. The Cardinals are ranked 12th in the F-B-S in total defense and Tigers quarterback Danny Eltling says they look impressive on film

Cut 16 (19) “of Louisville”

Former LSU quarterback Steve Ensminger will serve as the interim offensive coordinator for the bowl game and he’ll call plays one last time, before Matt Canada takes over as the O-C. Etling says he’s spoken with Canada and he’s excited about the hire…

Cut 17 (19)    “as a quarterback”

Louisville is known for its explosive offense and Heisman trophy winning quarterback Lamar Jackson. LSU defensive end Lewis Neal says playing the proper technique will be important on Saturday

Cut 18 (19) “to the T”

2016 will be remembered as a tough year for the state’s ag industry. Don Molino has more…

CUT 1 (29) “I’m Don Molino”

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Following the case of a mother who left an infant in a Wal Mart trash can, the state is reminding the public about Louisiana’s Safe Haven law. Michelle Southern reports…:

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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The holidays are a great time for celebration and enjoying friends and
family, but it also can bring stress and heart related issues. With the
new year coming, Ochsner Medical Center Cardiologist Dr. Doug Mendoza,
is offering advice on how to get a healthier heart for the holidays..:

Cut 3 (10) “in depression”

Mendoza says increased fluid retention can occur with higher salt
contend in holiday foods and this can lead to shortness of breath…:

cut 4  (10) “heart attack”

Mendoza says it’s good to Know the early signs of a heart attack that
can begin hours or days before a heart attack…:

Cut 5  (09)  “sweating, nausea”

___________________________________________________

2016 will go down as a difficult year for Louisiana’s agriculture industry. LSU AgCenter economist Kurt Guidry says farmers were hurt by lower commodity prices and unfavorable weather…

Cut 6 (10) “and flooding”

Guidry says the March flood had a 90-million dollar economic impact to the state agriculture industry. Many producers had to replant corn, which added to production costs. He says then we had the August flood in south Louisiana, which ruined many acres of rice, soybean and cotton

CUT 7 (12)  “our commodities”

Guidry says making the recovery more difficult from the floods is that major crops like corn and soybeans are not going for a high price on the market…

Cut 8 (12) “our producers”

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Officials in Pointe Coupee Parish say a woman gave birth in a Wal Mart bathroom in New Roads, then left the infant in the trash can. Department of Children and Family Services Deputy Director Terri Ricks wants the public to know that no mother has to take such desperate measures, because of Louisiana’s Safe Haven Law…:

Cut 9 (10)  “and walk away”

You can find more information on this law at safehaven.com. Ricks says the baby girl, who was discovered just hours after birth, is currently in DCFS custody, and it appears that she is going to pull through. It’s important that people know Safe Haven is legal and anonymous, says Ricks, whereas abandoning any child is a serious crime..:

Cut 10 (06) “it’s illegal”

Since 2004 they’ve had about 45 infants that have been safely relinquished. Ricks says a designated facility can be a licensed hospital, a public health unit, medical clinic or a police or fire station. She says the positive in this is that the baby is okay, and someone’s Christmas wish to become a parent…:

cut 11 (06) “good news story”

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This afternoon in Shreveport, it will be Vanderbilt versus North Carolina State in the Camping World Independence Bowl. Spokesperson Stefan Nolet says the Independence Bowl has a history of close match-ups and this game should add to that tradition as the two squads are coming into the contest on an upswing…

cut 12 (09) “close out of the year”

Both teams are 6-and-6 on the year. It’s the first bowl game for Vandy since 2013 and Nolet says the Commodore fans that have made it to Shreveport are excited to be there…

Cut 13 (12) “we’re excited”

This is the 41st Independence Bowl and it’s the 11th oldest bowl game in college football.

__________________________________________________________________

The LSU Tigers return from Christmas Break today to continue preparations for Saturday’s game against Louisville in the Citrus Bowl. It’s the first ever meeting between the two teams and the Tigers are a slight favorite to win. LSU Coach Ed Orgeron says they expect a tough game in Orlando….

cut 14 (11) “ready to go”

Orgeron says the game plan has been installed for the game. Stopping Heisman Trophy winner and Louisville Quarterback Lamar Jackson should priority number one. Junior linebacker Donnie Alexander says they want to keep Jackson in the pocket…

Cut 15 (12) “make a play”

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Thousands of people are expected to turnout for St. James Parish’s biggest Christmas Eve tradition- the Festival of Bonfires. Don Molino has more…

CUT 1 (31) “I’m Don Molino”

______________________________________

The North American Aerospace Defense Command, or NORAD, is gearing up to track Santa’s journey around the world. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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Christmas Eve is a time for family traditions, and that means something a little different in St. James Parish- the Festival of Bonfires. Festival spokesperson Jason Amato says they have over 135 bonfires that are permitted, with the bulk of them in the Lutcher-Gramercy area. He says when the festival begins, there are bonfires as far as they eye can see.

Cut 3 (11) “Mardi Gras”

The festival located halfway between Baton Rouge and New Orleans is a Cajun Christmas staple. Amato says there’s a few stories about how the tradition got started, and locals tell people to pick the one they like best.

cut 4  (11) “Santa Clause”

Amato says they light the bonfires at 7 p.m. sharp, but he encourages spectators to be there at 5 p.m. He says while many bonfires will be the typical four post tee-pee, some will be more creative.

Cut 5  (10)  “Cajun Navy”

______________________________________

State Fire Marshal Butch Browning has some advice for families to prevent your holiday get together from going up in smoke. Browning says it’s important to keep three feet of open space around fireplaces and space heaters. He says home chefs also need to stay safe in the kitchen.

Cut 6 (10) “unattended”

Browning reminds families with live Christmas trees that they are starting to dry out, even after being properly watered. He says they see more fires from Christmas trees at this time, after the trees have been sitting in the home for about a month.

CUT 7 (11)  “a fire”

Browning says the best way to keep your family safe from a fire is to make sure you have a working smoke alarm.

______________________________________________

There are many Louisiana soldiers currently serving our country who are not able to be with their families for Christmas. They’d like to send a message home. U.S. Army Capt. Javiya Williams is sending her love home to Rapides Parish…:

Cut 8 (11) “can’t wait to see you”

You can view all Louisiana Military Holiday Greetings online at dvidshub.net. These soldiers send greetings to Northeast Louisiana…:

Cut 9 (18)  “Roanoke, Virginia”

This family sends a message back home to loved ones in Shreveport from overseas…:

Cut 10 (12) “Merry Christmas Y’all”

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Children around the country are getting ready to keep track of Santa’s journey, with a little help from the North American Aerospace Defense Command, or NORAD. Lt. Commander Paul Noel says making sure the skies are safe over North America is part of NORAD’s mission, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

cut 11 (08) “Santa’s journey”

Noel says last year alone they had over 15-hundred volunteers who came to work the 23 hours period. He says they took over 141-thousand calls and emails. He says they expect the same enthusiasm this year.

cut 12 (11) “yuletide journey”

Noel says NORAD began tracking Santa in 1955 by accident. He says there was a misprint in the paper urging children to call and talk to Santa instead connected them to the Continental Air Defense Command.

Cut 13 (08) “that night”

Noel says families can monitor Santa’s journey through the NORAD Track Santa app or online at NORADSanta.org. He says people can also call 1-877-HI-NORAD.

_________________________________________________________

A 32-year-old man is in the Franklin Parish detention center after he allegedly kidnapped, sexually assaulted and forced a 74-year-old woman into the trunk of her car. Franklin Parish Sheriff Kevin Cobb says 32-year-old Jimmy Edward Franklin was eventually taken into custody in a wooded area early this morning after a pursuit by law enforcement. Cobb says Franklin has a lengthy criminal history…

cut 14 (06) “of things”

Cobb says the horrific crime started in the Catahoula Parish town of Enterprise when the elderly victim was kidnapped from her residence and stuffed into the trunk…

Cut 15 (11) “drug situation”

Cobb says the victim was able to escape her attacker in Wisner and quickly told authorities about what happened to her….

Cut 16  (07)  “own life”

Cobb says they believe Franklin sexually assaulted the woman and charged him with aggravated rape. He faces several other charges including attempted murder of a a police officer, as Cobb says he fired a weapon at deputy while he was being pursued.

Flu season is here, just in time for the holidays. Don Molino has more on how to stay healthy this holiday season…

CUT 1 (29) “I’m Don Molino”

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The year-end holiday travel period, as defined by AAA, begins today and this year is expected to reach the highest level on record. Jeff Palermo reports…:

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________

A Houma substitute teacher has been arrested for allegedly having sex with teenagers. Halen Doughty has the story…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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The holiday season is here, and unfortunately so is flu season. Dr. Frank Welch with LDH says we’re seeing a slight uptick in the number of flu cases in Louisiana.

cut 4  (08) “1.5 percent”

Welch says about 4 of every 100 doctor visits is for the flu. He says public health officials are also watching for potential outbreaks of other illnesses. He says there’s a fairly large outbreak of mumps in northern Arkansas.

Cut 5  (09)  “going around”

Welch says illness is more prevalent this time of year because so many people stay indoors, which allows viruses to spread. He says there are ways people can avoid getting sick during the holidays.

Cut 6 (11) “family gatherings”

___________________________________________________

The year-end holiday travel period, as defined by AAA, begins today and this year is expected to reach the highest level on record. Spokesman Don Redman says more than 103 million Americans are forecast to travel today through January 2nd, a 1.5% increase over 2015…:

CUT 7 (10)  “smashed that”

Redman says increased travel this year is being driven by additional consumer spending because the labor market is improving and wages are rising. He says most people will be driving…:

Cut 8 (08) “roadway”

Redman says low gas prices and increased consumer optimism will prompt more Americans than ever to set out on road trips, take to the skies or board trains, buses and cruise ships to celebrate the holidays. He says the estimate US drivers have saved more than $27 billion at the pump so far this year…:

Cut 9 (09)  “previous record”

________________________________________

A high scoring game is expected this afternoon when Louisiana Tech takes on Navy in the Armed Forces Bowl. The Bulldogs average 44 points a game, while the Midshipmen score points with a relentless ground attack. But the Voice of the Bulldogs, Dave Nitz, says Navy’s leading rusher, Will Worth, is out with an injury…

Cut 10 (11) “in Ft. Worth”

Today’s game features one of the top wide receivers in the game. Louisiana Tech’s Trent Taylor has caught 124 passes for 15-hundred yards and ten touchdowns. Nitz says he’s looking forward to the senior’s last game in a Bulldog uniform…

cut 11 (12) “gets open”

Nitz says the motivation is high for the Bulldogs to win this game…

cut 12 (10) “to the seniors”

________________________________________

Only hours remain to finish up your Christmas shopping in time for the big day. LSU marketing professor Ofer Mintz doesn’t expect the stores will be too crowded today and tomorrow, and he says last minute shoppers can still find good deals.

Cut 13 (10) “bargains there”

Mintz says brick and mortar stores could see more business in these final hours before Christmas, since it’s too late to order online. He says smart retailers will use that to their advantage to draw more shoppers through the doors.

cut 14 (10) “other things”

Mintz says all kinds of people will be shopping today and tomorrow, not just procrastinators. He has some advice for people heading out to fight the crowds the day before Christmas Eve.

Cut 15 (08) “don’t hesitate”

West Monroe High School’s own Rebel Band has been selected to play at President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration. Halen Doughty has more…

CUT 1 (31) “I’m Halen Doughty”

______________________________________

Followers of the Webster Parish Convention and Visitors Bureau’s Instagram account got an unexpected surprise, courtesy of 61-year-old Executive Director Lynn Dorsey. Michelle Southern has more…

Cut 2 (00) “I’m Michelle Southern”

______________________________________

Governor John Bel Edwards defends his brother Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff Daniel Edwards following FBI raids at both the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office and the Hammond Police Department. An FBI spokesperson says they were carrying out court ordered actions during the December 15 raids. But Edwards says he doesn’t know what the federal agents were looking for.

Cut 3 (11) “my brother Daniel”

FBI agents seized computers, cellphones, and case files from both agencies in an investigation that reportedly stems from mishandling of evidence by a drug task force. Edwards says he is confident his brother had nothing to do with any crimes that may have taken place in the departments.

cut 4  (09) “much less illegal”

Two suspects who worked for the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office are reportedly facing federal charges.

______________________________________

The West Monroe High School Rebel Band has been selected to play at President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration. Band Director Robert Freeman says West Monroe was the only high school in Louisiana chosen to perform in the parade. He says it’s exciting for these students to have this once in a lifetime experience.

Cut 5  (12)  “experience once”

Freeman says the band just found out they were selected Tuesday and called an emergency meeting to decide if parents would want to put up the roughly $600 it will cost for students to attend. He says they took a vote, and it was clear everyone wanted to play at this historic event.

Cut 6 (09) “be accepted”

Freeman says the Rebel Band will likely play a medley of Louisiana tunes that was arranged for them when the band played at President George W. Bush’s second inauguration. He says they plan to tweak the piece to make it a unique arrangement for this event.

CUT 7 (10)  “musical gumbo”

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The Webster Parish Convention and Visitors Bureau is dealing with the ramifications of an adult video that was accidentally uploaded to the bureau’s Instagram account. Webster CVB Chairman Jerry Madden says the video was posted by the CVB’s Executive Director, 61-year-old Lynn Dorsey.

Cut 8 (09) “our parish”

Madden says Dorsey was staying in a Baton Rouge hotel room when the video went live Monday night. Dorsey was reportedly using an iPhone 7 purchased by the bureau. He says she says she was trying to send the video to her husband.

Cut 9 (08)  “of it”

Madden says the bureau will discuss and implement a new social media policy in light of the mishap. He says Dorsey called and reported what happened, and she has apologized for what she calls an honest mistake.

Cut 10 (09) “deal with”

_________________________________________________

LSU running back Leonard Fournette has received criticism from fans and those in the national media for deciding not to play in the Citrus Bowl. Tigers head coach Ed Orgeron came to Fournette’s defense today by saying Leonard would still be with the team today, if his ankle was not injured…

cut 11 (10) “no question”

Fournette signed with an agent this week, so he can begin his professional career and prepare for the NFL draft. Orgeron insists the team has no qualms with the decision Leonard has made…

cut 12 (08) “with it”

Fournette missed four games this season because of an ankle injury. Stanford’s Christian McCaffrey and Baylor’s Shock Linwood are other high profile running backs who have decided not to play in their team’s bowl game. Orgeron doesn’t see this becoming a trend in college football…

Cut 13 (12) “different case”

_________________________________________________________

The Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office is taking part in a multi-agency investigation to bust criminals accused of robbing people after the August floods. They say, so far, a dozen suspects have been tied to multiple crimes including the case of a stolen trailer. LPSO spokeswoman Lori Steele says the trailer was recovered in late November…:

cut 14 (10) “take place”

Steele says the investigation crossed parish lines, and so far, 12 people have been arrested by various law enforcement groups. She says it’s incredible to see so many agencies cooperating to get these victims some answers and sentimental items recovered…:

Cut 15 (08) “take shape”

Steele says the very active investigation is ongoing and they anticipate more arrests will be made. She says it’s important all citizens take necessary safety precautions around this time of year…:

Cut 16  (09)  “any time of the day”

________________________________________________________

Governor John Bel Edwards took time today to reflect on what he says has  been a rewarding but challenging year as well. Jeff Palermo has the story…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________

State Police announced today that Louisiana is the first state that will equip all state troopers with body cameras. Don Molino has more…

Cut 2 (26) “I’m Don Molino”

______________________________________

The latest data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics finds women earn on average 76-percent of the salary men make in Louisiana. Tulane business professor Dr. Mark Rosa says typically, women spend more time caring for families, and being out of the office could affect earnings, especially in commissioned jobs.

Cut 3 (07) “better pay”

The report found the earnings ratio between men and women dropped more than 1-percent from 2014 to 2015, the first decline since 2009. Rosa says another factor is the abundance of trade jobs in Louisiana. He says while labor intensive jobs pay more money, not many women want to work in those industrial fields.

cut 4  (09) “welding job”

In Louisiana, there’s been a push to pass an Equal Pay Bill requiring companies to pay women the same salary as men for equal work. Rosa says many business owners agree with that concept, but it’s hard to make it a reality when job duties are different.

Cut 5  (07)  “to pay”

______________________________________

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries confirms the first sighting of a wild cougar in the state since 2011. It said a trail camera picture sent to the department in November out of Morehouse Parish is authentic. Maria Davidson is LDWF’s Large Carnivore Program Manager. She says this is unusual as there is no cougar population here:

Cut 6 (10) “thousands of miles”

Davidson says it’s not likely that this animal will remain in any one area longer than it would take to consume a kill and there is little chance the cougar would still be in Northeast Louisiana. She says when they’ve documented photos like this in the past, the animal commonly can show up somewhere else very quickly…:

CUT 7 (09)  “the same place”

Davidson says it is quite possible that this cougar could have been photographed on other trail cameras placed at deer feeders. She says they encourage people to report any physical evidence of cougar sightings…;

Cut 8 (09) “originated from”

______________________________________________

Governor John Bel Edwards calls 2016 a challenging year, but also very rewarding and positive as well. Edwards says he entered office and immediately addressed an unprecedented budget deficit by making cuts and raising revenues through tax increases…

Cut 9 (09)  “myself in”

Edwards says the most difficult day in office came on July 17th when a gunman shot six Baton Rouge law enforcement officers, killing three of them. He says the two historic floods were also challenging…

Cut 10 (12) “13 individuals”

Edwards says the goals for 2017 include addressing long-term structural budget reform so that Louisiana has a fair and predictable tax structure. He says his administration also plans on tackling criminal justice reform….

cut 11 (09) “saved money”

________________________________________

Louisiana will become the first state to equip all State Troopers with body cameras. State Police Col. Mike Edmonson says they hope all troopers in the state will have body cameras before this summer. He says they plan to start rolling out the first round of body cams after the holidays.

cut 12 (10) “up first”

Edmonson says law enforcement around the state are changing their training methods to better prepare officers for the field, and the footage from these cameras will help improve their methods. He says from a training perspective, this is a homerun.

Cut 13 (11) “look at”

Edmonson says tensions between law enforcement and the public have been high in Louisiana since the police shootings and ambush in Baton Rouge last summer. He hopes these new cameras will improve transparency between police and citizens.

cut 14 (09) “being honest”

The cameras will be paid for through the existing State Police budget at a cost of $5.3 million over 5 years.

_________________________________________________________

State agencies are implementing the first round of budget cuts for the current fiscal year today. Michelle Southern reports…:

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

______________________________________

The ACLU of Louisiana is suing the City of Slidell because of an ordinance that requires a permit to panhandle. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Halen Doughty”

______________________________________

A Walker man has been charged with attempted murder following a road rage incident. Capt. John Sharp with Walker Police says 35-year-old Johnny Franz was tailgating 31-year-old Bradley Deville, causing Deville to drive even slower. He says the two then stopped at an intersection near Walker Freshman High School. Sharp says at that point Franz invited Deville to step out of the car, and that’s when Deville pulled out a 9mm handgun.

Cut 3 (09) “man’s car”

Sharp says Deville then fled onto Interstate 12 as Franz followed him. He says they were pulled over on the interstate, and officers noticed bullet holes in the side of Franz’ car.

cut 4  (10) “open container”

Sharp says this incident is especially concerning after two high profile road rage incidents in New Orleans that led to homicides. He says they were fortunate no one was hurt.

Cut 5  (08)  “Mr. Franz”

Sharp says Deville faces several charges including attempted 2^nd degree murder, illegal use of a firearm, and possession of an open container.

______________________________________

Beginning January 1, Amazon will charge sales taxes on purchases made by Louisiana residents. Byron Henderson with the state Department of Revenue says both state and local sales taxes will be added to purchase totals.

Cut 6 (07) “address”

Henderson says so far Amazon is the only totally online retailer that has announced they will collect sales taxes. He says the taxes will be filed and remitted with the state and to local jurisdictions in Louisiana.

CUT 7 (10)  “Louisiana customers”

______________________________________

State department heads will have to start making cuts to their respective agencies today as $277 million dollars has been carved from the state’s operating budget. Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne says these cuts are being made through attrition – by not hiring people or not filling already vacant positions…:

Cut 8 (10) “current fiscal year”

Dardenne says taking the biggest hit is the Department of Health which will have to cut from medical vendor payments. The state’s colleges are taking an $11 million dollar hit this time. Dardenne says for the first time in about 10 years, higher education did not take a dramatic cut in this budget year…:

Cut 9 (10)  “very painful”

Dardenne says we’ll get the full budget picture when the Revenue Estimating Conference meets again on January 17th. He says that’s when reality will set in…:

Cut 10 (08) “information”

________________________________________

The ACLU of Louisiana is suing the City of Slidell to block a panhandling permit requirement. Executive Director Marjorie Esman says Slidell residents have to register with police to engage in their First Amendment right to ask others for money.

cut 11 (12) “to speak”

Esman says the suit filed on behalf of panhandlers Gary Blitch, David Knight, and Daniel Snyder seeks to find the ordinance illegal and block its enforcement. She says everyone has the right to speak freely, regardless of what they’re speaking about.

cut 12 (11) “this country”

Slidell city attorney Brian Haggerty says they have no comment on the lawsuit. Esman says in the past Slidell Police have arrested panhandlers, but the new ordinance was passed in October. She says although the permit is free, it still requires a background check and wearing the permit to avoid being ticketed up to $500. Or facing up to 6 months in jail.

Cut 13 (07) “to speak”

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Following the declaration of a public health emergency in St. Joseph, Governor John Bel Edwards is vising the Tensas Parish town today. Michelle Southern has more…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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All of Louisiana’s 8 electors selected Donald Trump for president, and Mike Pence for vice president. Jeff Palermo reports…:

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Near-freezing temperatures have Louisianans across the state bundling up today. Matt Hemmingway with the National Weather Service in Shreveport says temperatures dropped to just below freezing this morning in North Louisiana, while the southern half of the state is hovering around 40 degrees.

Cut 3 (11) “cold temperatures”

Hemmingway says people will want to break out the winter wear tomorrow as well.

cut 4  (10) “24 hours”

Hemmingway says things will start to warm up once we get into the middle of the week. He says we’ll see milder temperatures just in time for the official start of winter.

Cut 5  (07)  “on Wednesday”

Hemmingway says another cold front will move in Thursday, but it won’t be as cold as it is today and tomorrow.

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Governor John Bel Edwards is meeting with residents of St. Joseph today, after a public health emergency was declared in the small Tensas Parish town. Deputy Chief of Staff for the Governor’s Office, Julie Baxter Payer, says high levels of lead and copper were found in two water samples in St. Joe.

Cut 6 (10) “drinking water”

The Governor’s Office is providing three liters of water a day to each of the roughly 500 residents of St. Joe. Payer says the governor has ordered that the water in every home be tested for lead and copper. She says they believe the problem is the pipes, and there’s a lot of construction that needs to be done on St. Joe’s water system.

CUT 7 (10)  “treatment plant”

Residents of St. Joe have been dealing with dirty water flowing from their faucets for nearly a decade. Payer says construction on the water system is underway. She says they are doing what they can to get clean water to the town’s residents sooner rather than later.

Cut 8 (07) “that process”

The public meeting will be held at 5:00 p.m.

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A man from El Salvador who admitted to being an illegal alien has been detained by federal authorities in Covington after a St. Tammany Parish deputy discovered an outstanding warrant on him out of Central America. Captain Daniel Seuzeneau says 36-year-old Juan Sanchez-Roldan was pulled over on Highway 190…:

Cut 9 (10)  “out of El Salvador”

Seuzeneau says the deputy contacted US Immigration Customs Enforcement.:

Cut 10 (10) “federal authorities”

Seuzeneau says during detainment, Sanchez-Roldan admitted he’d been in the United States for over 10 years illegally, was living in Baton Rouge and working in St. Tammany. He says this was a good pop by one of their deputies…:

cut 11 (08) “under his belt”

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All of Louisiana’s 8 electors selected Donald Trump for president, and Mike Pence for vice president. Lloyd Harsch spoke following the vote and told reporters he’d received over 90,000 emails and several hundred letters from people urging him not to vote for Mr. Trump. He says he considered every candidate and all of their options…:

cut 12 (09) “to change my vote”

The vote was taken today at the state Capitol’s Senate Chambers. Harsch says being able to be a part of history and this process is a responsibility he takes seriously…:

Cut 13 (07) “vice president”

Matt McCann was there today protesting the election of Mr. Trump. He says the president-election teaches ignorance and hate…:

cut 14 (09) “human being”

Now the votes will be sent to Washington where they will be read to the new Congress that convenes in January. McCann says he’s extremely concerned about the future of the US with Mr. Trump as president…:

Cut 15 (08) “anymore war”

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More changes could be coming to the TOPS scholarship program. Don Molino has more…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Don Molino”

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A report from United Health Foundation finds Louisiana is no longer the unhealthiest state in the country. Michelle Southern has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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Get ready for another change in the weather. Andy Tingler, with the National Weather Service in Lake Charles, says a strong cold front will move through the state Saturday and produce a big temperature drop….

Cut 3 (12) “upper 30s”

Tingler says the Storm Prediction Center also says there’s a slight chance we could see severe weather in the Monroe and Alexandria areas along with a portion of south Louisiana…

cut 4  (04) “a potential”

Tingler says the cold air will stick around for a couple of days, at least through Tuesday. He says Sunday might be a good day to watch football, a movie or wrap gifts…

Cut 5  (12)  “around 60”

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With budget shortfalls still looming, higher education leaders are looking at more potential changes to the TOPS scholarship program. Higher Ed Commissioner Joe Rallo says one option being discussed is raising the hourly requirement for the scholarship from 24 credits per year to 30. He says the idea is to encourage students to graduate more quickly, as TOPS only covers 8 semesters.

Cut 6 (11) “extra year”

Rallo says this would mean students would have to take either 15 credits per semester or 6 additional hours during the summer. He says up until about 20 years ago, it was normal for students to take 15 hours a semester, until the feds lowered the requirements to be considered a fulltime student.

CUT 7 (08)  “for four years”

Rallo says this is just one of several changes they’re considering to stabilize the program. Lawmakers are hopeful they can find the necessary $89 million to fully fund the program next year, but Rallo says changes will likely come to TOPS whether or not it’s fully funded.

Cut 8 (10) “on them”

Opponents of the change say it would add to students’ workload, especially for those who take time-consuming labs or play sports.

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Louisiana is no longer the least healthy state in the country, according to United Health Foundation. State Health Secretary Dr. Rebekah Gee says this is great news, but unfortunately Louisiana still ranks 49^th in the nation for overall health. She says the state has high rates of low birth weight, infant mortality, and obesity.

Cut 9 (12)  “in Medicaid”

The report found that funding for public health decreased by 28-percent over the last four years. Gee says that’s because of state budget problems. She hopes public health will become more of a spending priority, because money is used to protect against Zika outbreaks and flu epidemics.

Cut 10 (09) “it is”

Mississippi was the only state found to be less healthy than Louisiana. A troubling sign for the Bayou State is that in the past year, the rate of diabetes among adults has increased 12-percent. Gee says that’s due in part to the high rate of obesity. She says a healthy lifestyle starts with the individual.

cut 11 (08) “of money”

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The Big Easy is gearing up for the big R&L Carriers New Orleans Bowl tomorrow featuring the UL-Lafayette Ragin’ Cajuns taking on Southern Miss. Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation President Jay Cicero says they’ve never had these two regional teams in the bowl game so they’re seeing tons of fans in town…:

cut 12 (09) “for us”

Cicero expects this year’s game to bring in as much as $30 million dollars for area businesses. He says the game itself looks to be a great one…:

Cut 13 (14) “in his career”

There’s no shortage of events surrounding the game as the Gin Blossoms and Better Than Ezra perform a free show Friday night in Champions Square. Cicero says it’s always great when you can get one team that’s two hours one way, and another that’s 90 minutes the other way…:

cut 14 (08) “two schools”

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LSU running back Leonard Fournette’s college football career is over. The junior, who has already said he intends to enter the 2017 NFL Draft, announced today that he would not play in the Citrus Bowl with the Tigers. He and head coach Ed Orgeron broke the news on Friday…:

Cut 15 (11) “best for my future”

Fournette said he plans to rest and rehab the ankle injury that has limited him to seven games this season. Some fans may not be happy about this, but Coach O reminds fans that Fournette was the best player in the nation his senior year in high school…:

Cut 16  (07)  “great games”