A recent survey by Morning Consult on Louisiana’s US Senators shows both David Vitter and Bill Cassidy’s job approval ratings in the mid-40s. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 1 (30)  “I’m Eric Gill”

================

Richland Parish Congressman Ralph Abraham is back from his Thanksgiving trip to visit US troops in Afghanistan. Emelie Gunn has more….

CUT 2 (29)  “I’m Emelie Gunn”

===================

Governor-elect John Bel Edwards spoke before the Louisiana Legislative Black Caucus about the future of higher education in Louisiana. Edwards told the group that it’s important to fight to make sure children all over the state of Louisiana have opportunities to succeed…

CUT 3 (10)  “higher education”

Edwards was the keynote speaker at last weekend’s Bayou Classic Scholarship Jazz Brunch. The Governor-elect says he will begin his term with a focus on education…

CUT 4 (09)  “in Louisiana”

He says proper funding for higher education is a priority. Edwards says it’s imperative that the state’s general fund component for higher education is increased…

CUT 5 (06)  “for me”

============================

Today is Giving Tuesday and that means it’s your chance to give back to charities. The American Red Cross is participating in their third Giving Tuesday and hopes everyone who can, will give back in a meaningful way. Louisiana Region Spokesperson Nancy Malone says the holiday season is a time of warmth and giving.

CUT 6 (09) “overnight”

Malone says the power of giving in the community can change the lives of so many people in need. She says you can visit Red-Cross-dot-org-slash-gifts (redcross.org/gifts) to donate and see how your dollars can add up, plus you’ll see heartwarming stories from people across the world who have been helped by the Red Cross.

CUT 7 (11)  “look at”

Malone says if you can’t donate monetarily, there are other ways to help out, like donating blood or volunteering. She says their latest program during the holiday season is called Holiday Mail for Heroes.

CUT 8 (10)  “you involved”

============================

A recent survey on Louisiana’s US Senators shows both David Vitter and Bill Cassidy’s job approval ratings in the mid-40s. The report, by Morning Consult, shows 47-percent of Louisiana voters approve of Vitter’s job performance and Cassidy only gets a 44-percent approval rating. UL-Lafayette Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says Cassidy’s low rating is surprising…

CUT 9 (06)  “to Cassidy”

The report shows about 24-percent of respondents didn’t know enough about Cassidy to rate him. Vitter has announced that he will not seek re-election next year which will make Cassidy Louisiana’s senior senator. Cross says this will seriously damage Louisiana’s power in the Senate…

cut 10 (10)  “US Senate”

Cassidy is finishing his first year in the upper chamber. Cross says Cassidy’s involvement in health care issues and public policy will see his stature in the Senate grow in the coming years…

Cut 11 (07) “to posturing”

============================

Richland Parish Congressman Ralph Abraham is back in Louisiana after spending his Thanksgiving holiday with American soldiers in Afghanistan. Abraham says he was honored to spend time with the people who let us sleep safely every night. He says the men and women are optimistic about their mission of training Afghan soldiers to battle terrorism in their country.

cut 12 (10)  “hostile enviornment”

Abraham spent his trip having lunch with Louisiana soldiers, as well as, meeting with Afghan President Ghani. He says if President Obama will listen to his advisors on the ground in Afghanistan, keeping 9,800 troops in the country will be effective to combating terrorism.

cut 13 (09)  “lead the way”

Abraham says they want to give Afghanistan the democratic type of government that they want. He says it likely won’t entail all the freedoms we see in America, but it will better the country’s current status.

cut 14 (08)  “that’s attainable” 

============================

Will Governor-elect John Bel Edwards look to raise the state’s $7.25 minimum wage when he takes office next year? Jeff Palermo reports…

CUT 1 (27) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________

The American Automobile Association says December could bring the lowest gas prices we’ve seen in 7 years.

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

______________________________________

The Louisiana Department of Revenue’s 2015 Louisiana Tax Amnesty gets underway today. Eric Gill reports…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Eric Gill”

______________________________________

Will Governor-elect John Bel Edwards look to raise the state’s minimum wage when he takes office next year? Edwards said during the campaign that he supports raising the minimum wage that currently sits at $7.25. Louisiana Budget Project Director Jan Moller says the new governor gives supporters of a minimum wage increase hope…

cut 4  (10)  “few more months”

Louisiana is one of five states that has not set a minimum wage, instead defaulting to the federal government’s rate. Opponents of a higher minimum wage say new mandates would have an adverse effect on the current state of the economy. But Moller says minimum wage increases have worked in other parts of the country…

Cut 5  (11)  “come to pass”

He says it’s too early to predict whether a minimum wage bill will make it to the governor’s desk. Moller says an LSU poll conducted last year shows that 72-percent of residents support increasing the minimum wage to at least $8.50 per hour…

Cut 6 (09)  “poverty line”

______________________________________

The American Automobile Association of Louisiana says the plunging prices at the pump have the state moving into a direction that could bring them to their lowest since 2008. The current statewide average for a gallon of regular is about $1.86. AAA fuel analyst Don Redman says we might reach a low point this month that we haven’t seen in nearly 7 years…:

CUT 7 (08)  “$1.60 a range”

Redman says the earlier forecast by the US Department of Energy showed that by December we’d be looking at a national average of about $2.00, but it seems it will be even lower than that. He says this is coming at a great time for the motoring public as they put their budget together for the holidays…:

Cut 8  (08)  “for the family”

Louisiana’s average prices are down about 4 cents from last week, 8 cents from last month and 72 cents lower than last year. Redman says, statewide, we could be in the $1.60 range by mid-December, and dropping…:

Cut 9 (08) “current thought”

______________________________________

After a brief suspension, the Louisiana Department of Revenue’s 2015 Louisiana Tax Amnesty gets underway today. Deputy Secretary Jarrod Coniglio (ca-nig-lee-oh) says this is the final amnesty period for at least 10 years. He says the delay was prompted by a mistake with with the information included in some of the original invitation letters sent out in early November…

Cut 10 (10) “December 31st”

The amnesty will run through December 31st. Coniglio says their goal is to raise $50 million during the amnesty period. He says this is a great opportunity to clear the slate when it comes to delinquent taxes. Coniglio says the department is offering incentives to taxpayers to clear their bill…

cut 11 (09) “of the interest”

During the amnesty period, the Department of Revenue will waive 33-percent of the penalty and 17-percent of the interest owed when 100-percent of the tax debt is paid. Coniglio says you can even set up an installment plan if you cannot make full payment by December 31st…

Cut 12 (07) “of 2016″

______________________________________

State police say they worked four fatal crashes over the Thanksgiving Holiday weekend that resulted in ten fatalities. The youngest victim was a two month old infant from Baton Rouge, while the oldest was an 87-year-old man from Ville Platte.  L-S-P Sergeant Nick Manale says everyone needs to take safety precuations to prevent more fatalities

Cut 13 (08)  “distracted”

Manale asks drivers to be vigiliant during this holiday period…

Cut 14 (10) “while impaired”

Manale says if you happen to notice aggressive driving or impaired driving, don’t hesitate to call State Police…

Cut 15  (08) “your way” 

______________________________________

LSU sophomore quarterback Brandon Harris did not finish the season strong as he struggled in November and didn’t perform well in the win over Texas A&M. Harris completed just seven passes  for 83 yards and he was intercepted once in the win over the Aggies. Coach Les Miles says Harris looked much better earlier in the season

Cut 16  (15)  “do there”

Sophomore Malachi Dupre led the team in receiving during the regular season as he caught 39 passes for 602 yards and 6 touchdowns. Dupre says LSU’s passing game is still a work in progress…

Cut 17 (17) “execute the plays”

______________________________________________________

McNeese State is getting ready to host Southland Conference rival Sam Houston State in the second round of the FCS playoffs. The Cowboys are a four-seed in the tournament and received a bye into the second round, while the Bearkats beat Southern Utah in a shootout 42-39. McNeese Coach Matt Viator hopes the week off will not hurt their play for Saturday’s game…

Cut 18 (14) “….little rusty”

Sam Houston used two quarterbacks to beat Southern Utah, Jeremiah Briscoe and Jared Johnson. Viator says Briscoe is a good passer, while Johnson is good running the football…

Cut 19 (20) “for sure”

Today marks the end of the 2015 Atlantic Hurricane season and it was a good one for Louisiana as no storms threatened the state. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 1 (28)  “I’m Eric Gill”

================

It appeared LSU’s Les Miles was set to lose his job, but he remains the Fighting Tigers head coach. Jeff Palermo looks at how that happened….

CUT 2 (30)  “I’m Jeff Palermo”

===================

Today marks the end of the 2015 Atlantic Hurricane season and it was quite favorable for Louisiana as no storms threatened the state. State Climatologist Barry Keim says forecasters were were pretty accurate with their predictions this season…

CUT 3 (10)  “major hurricanes”

He says there were 11 named storms this hurricane season, one below the long term average. Four of those storms became hurricanes, two major hurricanes, but none threatened to make landfall in the United States. Keim says you can thank wind shear created by El Nino for that…

CUT 4 (08)  “protect us”

He says the last hurricane to make landfall in Louisiana was Category 1 Hurricane Isaac in 2012. It’s been ten seasons since a major hurricane has made landfall in the United States. Keim says some are wondering if we’re moving into a period of less severe hurricanes…

CUT 5 (08)  “plays out”

============================

So how did Les Miles keep his job as head coach of the LSU Tigers. It appeared Miles was coaching his final game in Tiger Stadium on Saturday, but after the victory, athletic director Joe Alleva announced Miles would return for another season. Tiger Rag Editor Cody Worsham says LSU’s president saved Miles’ job…

CUT 6 (12) “as the coach”

If Miles was fired before January 1st, LSU would owe him 15-million dollars. Worsham says for LSU president and chancellor F King Alexander, who is pushing for more state funding to help the academic side of the university,  the 15-million dollar buyout was too tough of a pill to swallow, even though private donors would have paid the buyout

CUT 7 (07)  “football team”

Some are now calling for athletic director Joe Alleva to be fired for mishandling this situation. Worsham doesn’t see that happening…

CUT 8 (07)  “through 2020”

============================

Today is Cyber Monday, a day where retailers promote huge online sales. The annual online shopping spree celebrates its tenth anniversary this year. LSU Marketing Professor Dan Rice says Cyber Monday shopping is a growing trend…

CUT 9 (10)  “of that impetus”

Last year, sales on Cyber Monday reached a record $2.68 billion. According to the research firm ShopperTrak, Black Friday sales fell 10-percent this year and Rice feels that online shopping played a factor in that…

cut 10 (10)  “to do it”

But he says just because you find a discounted item on Cyber Monday, it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s at its best price of the year. Rice says as shoppers become more savvy to finding deals online, Cyber Monday could begin to lose some of its luster…

Cut 11 (09) “of the year”

============================

The Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office says a teenager came home from a hunting trip over the weekend, and discovered her step-father, mother and two young half brothers dead in an apparent murder suicide. Col John Fortunato says the 18-year-old had been gone since Friday, and returned to her Marrero home Sunday morning…:

cut 12 (10)  “pool of blood”

The deceased are identified as 46-year-old David Mata, 40-year-old Kelli Mata, 4-year-old Caden Mata and 2-year-old Liam Mata. He says cops arrived and discovered the Mata’s dead from apparent stab wounds in the living room, and their children in separate bedrooms laying in bed, also pronounced dead from apparent stab wounds…:

cut 13 (09)  “took his own life”

According to media reports, Mata pleaded guilty to assaulting his wife Kelli in 2010, and in 2002 David Mata pleaded guilty to possessing 1,000 anabolic steroid tablets. Fortunato says they believe David Mata killed his wife and their kids before taking his own life. He says they have no idea why David Mata would commit such a horrific act…:

cut 14 (05)  “in this matter” 

============================

A UL-Lafayette researcher is trying to find the burial grounds of the first Acadians in an effort to discover the location of their colony. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 1 (27) “I’m Eric Gill”

______________________________________

What’s ahead for Governor Bobby Jindal professionally as his second term ends? Jeff Palermo reports…

Cut 2 (29) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________

 The Attorney General’s Office is giving online holiday shoppers some tips to keep secure. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

______________________________________

A UL-Lafayette researcher is trying to find the burial grounds of the first Acadians in an effort to discover the location of their colony. Anthropologist Mark Rees says the goal of the New Acadia Project is to discover the location of the New Acadia Colony that dates back to the mid-18th century…

cut 4  (12)  “around Loreauville”

He says they believe the colony was set up along Bayou Teche in Iberia Parish around Loreauville. Rees says they have received permission from the state and property owners to exhume the graves that possibly belong to the first Acadians. But he says they are approaching this in a cautious way…

Cut 5  (11)  “be reburied”

He says finding the graves is just the first step in finding the settlement that must be nearby. Rees says if these graves do contain the remains of the first Acadians, it will be an enormous breakthrough…

Cut 6 (08)  “were like”

______________________________________

There are six weeks remaining in Bobby Jindal’s final term as Governor of Louisiana. Jindal has said that he and his family will remain in Baton Rouge after his term ends, but what’s ahead for him professionally? Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says Jindal will likely use his experience in government to land a job…

CUT 7 (08)  “national boards”

Pinsonat says Jindal will probably use his expertise in government to pick up a job with a national company as a consultant. As far as the governor’s political future, Pinsonat doesn’t see Jindal seeking political office in the foreseeable future…

Cut 8  (08)  “in Louisiana”

He says Jindal’s current unpopularity in Louisiana will probably keep him from running for office for quite a while. Pinsonat believes Jindal’s presidential aspirations really damaged his political future in Louisiana…

Cut 9 (10) “very unpopular”

______________________________________

Les Miles is still the coach of the LSu football team despite a couple of weeks of speculation that he will be fired at the end of the regular season. But Athletics Director Joe Alleva announced after Saturday’s win over Texas A&M that Miles will remain the Tigers coach. Miles was asked if there were any hard feelings over the speculation that he could lose his job.

Cut 10 (09) “that way”

Miles and the Tigers ended a three-game losing streak by beating Texas A&M 19-7. Before Miles began his postgame press conference, Alleva announced that Miles would return next year. The mad hatter is grateful for a chance to the lead the Tigers again next season…

cut 11 (12) “quality men”

There are still questions whether offensive coordinator Cam Cameron will return. His contract is set to expire after the bowl game. Miles was noncommittal about Cameron’s future, but he expects the offense next year to feature running back Leonard Fournette.

Cut 12 (12) “bit much”

______________________________________

The Attorney General’s Office has some tips to keep online holiday shoppers secure. Assistant Attorney General Lisha Landry advises people to make sure they’re using private wireless connections that are password protected, not unsecure wifi from coffee shops or other public locations. She says also make sure the website you’re using is secure before entering credit card information.

Cut 13 (07)  “is secure”

Landry says always pay my credit card rather than using money orders or debit because there is an added protection. She says make sure to keep records after making online purchases.

Cut 14 (05) “return policy”

Landry says feel free to contact the Attorney General’s Office to check the consumer dispute database. She says if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Cut 15  (10) “a scam” 

______________________________________

Louisiana Tech’s regular season ended in a frustrating manner as the Bulldogs turned it over seven times in a 58-24 loss to Southern Miss. The defeat keeps the Bulldogs from playing in the Conference USA Championship game. Head Coach Skip Holtz says it was a disappointing way to end the year…

Cut 16  (12)  “for it”

 Tech finishes the regular season with an 8-4 record and they’ll find out on December sixth when it comes to which bowl game they’ll play in. It’s been projected Tech will get an invite to the New Orleans Bowl. Holtz says he’ll team wait to hear its fate..

Cut 17 (19) “field again”

______________________________________________________

The Saints dropped their third straight game on Sunday as the Houston Texans topped New Orleans 24-6. Offensively, the Saints could only muster two field goals, so for the first time in 155 games the Saints failed to score a TD. Coach Sean Payton on the disappointing loss..

Cut 18 (14) “….of it

New Orleans was held to 268 total yards, just 50 yards on the ground. The loss drops the Saints record to 4-7. Brees remains optimistic the Saints can make a run at the playoffs, but they have undefeated Carolina coming to town.

Cut 19 (14) “for us”

Even after the dry summer, Christmas trees supply is still plenty. Eric Gill has more…

CUT 1 (30)  “I’m Eric Gill”

================

An end of an era appears to be taking place at LSU as Les Miles could be coaching his last game in purple and gold. Jeff Palermo has the story…

CUT 2 (30)  “I’m Jeff Palermo”

===================

Even with the dry summer, the supply of real Christmas Trees in Louisiana is still plenty. Christmas Tree Farmer Clark Gernon, owner of Shady Pond Tree Farm in Pearl River, says the trees are fine, just not as tall as they typically would be.

CUT 3 (09)  “grow again”

Gernon advises those searching for a tree to make sure you check the height of the display area before purchasing a Christmas tree. He says also measure the width to ensure it fits in your home.

CUT 4 (10)  “as height”

Gernon says for the past 10 years, 70% of trees that leave his farm are Leyland Cypress Leighton Green trees. He says the shape of the tree is almost perfect.

CUT 5 (07)  “excellent tree”

============================

A wet weekend is expected across north Louisiana this weekend. The rain is from a cold front that stretches across the entire United States. Davyon Hill, with the National Weather Service in Shreveport, says the rain will start late this afternoon in northwest Louisiana and it won’t stop for at least a couple of days

CUT 6 (09) “rainfall event”

Hill says northwest Louisiana will see the largest rainfall totals and he says the rain will stretch down into central Louisiana…

CUT 7 (10)  “safe bet”

Hill says south Louisiana will be dry and mild this weekend. He says parts of Claiborne, Webster, Bossier Caddo and DeSoto parishes could see anywhere between two to five inches of rain

CUT 8 (05)  “rainfall”

============================

State Police say the Thanksgiving holiday started with five fatalities on the roadway in two separate wrecks. Trooper Melissa Matey says early Thanksgiving morning in Plaquemines Parish a single vehicle crash resulted in the deaths of the vehicle’s driver and two passengers

CUT 9 (07)  “into flames”

All were pronounced dead on the scene. The identities of the victimes will be determined through autopsies. She says the other multi-fatality crash took place Wednesday night in Iberia Parish….

cut 10 (08)  “were killed”

Matey says the two people killed were an uncle and nephew from Abbeville and they’ve been identified as 45-year-old Jones Mitchell and 25-year-old Gerald Mitchell. She says they are asking motorists to make good decisions while behind the wheel this holiday weekend

Cut 11 (11) “everybody buckle up”

============================

It should be an emotional night in Tiger Stadium as LSU’s Les Miles could be making his final appearance as the head coach of the Fighting Tigers. Football analyst Mike Detillier expects LSU to fire Miles sometime after the game and they hope Florida State’s Jimbo Fisher will be the next head coach…

cut 12 (11)  “figure out”

Fisher was LSU’s offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach from 2000 to 2006. He was the O-C on the Tigers 2003 national championship team and Detillier says he’s also great at developing quarterbacks…

cut 13 (12)  “first round picks”

Detillier says the LSU head coaching job is Fisher’s if he wants it. Fisher recently told the Tallahassee Democrat that he’s happy where he’s at and that he loves coaching at Florida State. He says if Fisher turns down the Tigers, LSU may go after embattled Philadelphia Eagles Coach Chip Kelly

cut 14 (07)  “college football” 

Analysts believe the win of Democrat John Bel Edwards over Republican David Vitter is an anomaly. Emelie Gunn has more…

CUT 1 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

______________________________________

  Retailers are expected to see strong gains in sales this holiday season. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

______________________________________

 A pollster believes the win of Democrat John Bel Edwards over Republican David Vitter in a predominately conservative state is an anomaly. John Couvillion of JMC Analytics says Edwards got votes from Dardenne supporters and from rural areas that haven’t voted democrat since the early 90s.

Cut 3 (09) “November 21”

Couvillion believes next year’s senate race will be different because republicans have learned their lesson when it comes to disunity. He also says republicans have a big advantage over democrats in federal elections….

cut 4  (06)  “statewide race”

 Couvillion says he saw major republican precincts around the state and especially in East Baton Rouge, with 60% of people voting for Edwards.

Cut 5  (10)  “defection”

______________________________________

Louisiana Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon announces that 13-thousand policies have shifted from the insurer of last resort, Citizens, to private insurance companies. Donelon says this is good news, because these former Citizens policyholders now have lower property insurance

Cut 6 (10)  “out there”

Louisiana created Citizens Property Insurance for homeowners in high-risk areas for flooding and storms. In 2008, Citizens had 174-thousand policies, now its policy count is below 70-thousand residential policies. Donelon says this is also good news for private insurance policyholders, because they pay assessments to help Citzens cover damages in the event of another Katrina-level event…

CUT 7 (10)  “cost of insurance”

Donelon also reminds property insurance policyholders that the deadline to claim a rebate for the Citizens Assessment charged on their 2011 insurance policies is this December 31st. Donelon says nearly 34-million dollars, or 52-percent of the refundable assessments for 2011 remains unclaimed. He says the department of insurance has a form that allows people to claim those assesments…

Cut 8  (08)  “to you”

______________________________________

The National Retail Federation is expecting retailers to see healthy sales gains this holiday season. Spokesperson Kathy Grannis says sales are expected to increase about 3.7-percent overall in November and December, which is a slight decline from what we saw last year. She says the reason growth isn’t as much in 2015 is likely the direction of the economy.

Cut 9 (10) “this year”

 Grannis says it’s estimated that the average holiday shopper in the south is estimated to spend around 775 dollars this season, not too far off from the national average of 805 dollars. She says hot items this year are toys, a wide range of electronics for adults and jewelry.

Cut 10 (08) “the year”

Grannis says last year, Barbie lost out to Disney’s Frozen dolls but she has regained her crown as the top selling girls toy this season, which is good news to stores selling Barbie’s. She says retailers are getting creative with their promotions to get customers to come into stores rather than just buying online.

cut 11 (10) “certain amount”

______________________________________

Louisiana Tech and Southern Miss meet in Ruston for a Saturday morning kickoff and the winner advances to Conference USA championship game. After scoring 17 points in a win last week against UTEP, Bulldogs coach Skip Holtz says points maybe hard to come by against the Golden Eagles…

Cut 12 (17) “entire season”

Hotlz hopes for a sold out crowd at Joe Aillet Stadium, especially for the seniors, who are on the verge of leading Tech to a second straight bowl game…

Cut 13 (05)  “together”

___________________________________________________

The Ragin Cajuns need a win on Saturday to keep their bowl hopes alive. They’ll be at Appalchian State for their first ever visit trip to Boone, North Carolina. UL Lafayette Coach Mark Hudspeth still remembers the Mountaineers win over the Cajuns last year…

Cut 14 (16) “the same”

_______________________________________________________

What could be Les Miles’ final game as head coach of the LSU Tigers takes place tomorrow night against Texas A&M in Tiger Stadium. Linebacker Deion Jones hopes this is not the end of the road for Miles…

Cut 15  (10) “still here” 

Saturday night’s game also marks the return of John Chavis, LSU’s former defensive coordinator. He now holds the same position for the Aggies. Jones says he has no ill will toward his old coach…

Cut 16  (09)  “with that”

LSU linebacker Lamar Louis says the team is focused on getting a win, not the coaching rumors swirling about Miles’ job status…

Cut 17 (12) “on Saturday”

State Fire Marshal Butch Browning says it’s important to remind residents of certain safety tips as they prepare their Thanksgiving meals. Jeff Palermo reports…

CUT 1 (29) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________

 Black Friday is only a few days away and shoppers are expected to spend about 630-billion dollars this year. Emelie Gunn has more on what stores have the best deals…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________

According to the US Fire Administration, the average number of home fires nearly double on Thanksgiving as compared to any other day of the year. State Fire Marshal Butch Browning says it’s important to remind residents of certain safety tips as they prepare their Thanksgiving meals. Browning says it’s important that while cooking, the kitchen should never be left unattended…

Cut 3 (11) “not trained”

He says it’s important to always be prepared in the event a grease fire starts while you’re cooking. Browning says your common household A-B-C fire extinguisher is not designed to put out grease fires…

cut 4  (06)  “actually burning”

He says there have been some serious fires in Louisiana due to frying turkeys. Browning says there are just a few steps to follow to ensure you safely fry your birds this holiday season…

Cut 5  (11)  “easily escape”

______________________________________

Lafayette Congressman Charles Boustany has been chosen to lead the Ways and Means Committee’s Tax Policy Subcommittee. Boustany says he’s going to lead the effort in tax reform. He says it’s time to totally rewrite the tax code by simplifying and cleaning up the rates and keeping businesses in America.

Cut 6 (07)  “end of year”

Boustany says he will enact changes to benefit small businesses. He says many of these businesses are struggling with the high cost of compliance and aren’t able to hire more employees because it’s too expensive.

CUT 7 (10)  “tax code”

Boustany says he wants to put the United States on a level playing field with other countries and that would call for a complete rewrite of our international tax code. He says the United States has the highest corporate tax rate in the world and that isn’t working in our favor.

Cut 8  (08)  “tax code”

______________________________________

With Black Friday tomorrow, the personal finance website WalletHub found holiday spending is estimated to reach more than 630-billion dollars this year. Website spokesperson Jill Gonzales says they investigated which stores were having the best Black Friday deals.

Cut 9 (10) “percent mark”

Gonzales says the lowest are going to be Toys-R-Us, Big Lots, Amazon, Sam’s Club and Costco, all coming in at around a 20-percent discount. She says jewelry is an item that typically sees a big discount.

Cut 10 (08) “good deals”

Gonzales says the average discount across the board is about 40-percent off. She advises shoppers to look at the deals before heading out to purchase on Black Friday.

cut 11 (09) “percent rate”

______________________________________

Former Governor Edwin Edwards is spending Thanksgiving in a hospital battling pneumonia. According to his wife, Trina, the former four-term governor was admitted yesterday and doctors in Baton Rouge are treating him with antibiotics. Edwin Edwards biographer, Leo Honeycutt, says illnesses are not unusual for the Cajun Prince…

Cut 12 (11) “the flu”

Honeycutt says Edwards could be out of the hospital by the end of the holiday weekend…

Cut 13 (09)  “days”

Edwards last public appearance was Saturday, as he and wife Trina attended Governor elect John Bel Edwards election party in New Orleans. Honeycutt says this isn’t the first time Edwards has been diagnosed with pneumonia…

Cut 14 (09) “this is”

The state Office of Alcohol and Tobacco Control has cited 14 additional strip clubs across the state as part of their “Operation Trick or Treat” investigation. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 1 (28)  “I’m Eric Gill”

================

Governor-elect John Bel Edwards has launched his transition website, Onward-Louisiana-dot-com. Emelie Gunn has more on what it has to offer…

CUT 2 (31)  “I’m Emelie Gunn”

===================

The state Office of Alcohol and Tobacco Control has cited 14 additional strip clubs across the state as part of their “Operation Trick or Treat” investigation. This crackdown comes weeks after 9 clubs were cited in the French Quarter in New Orleans. ATC Commissioner Troy Hebert says these clubs were cited for several different reasons…

CUT 3 (05)  “with them”

The 14 strip clubs were cited for drug activity, prostitution and lewd acts. Hebert says drug and prostitution activity at these establishments breeds other criminal activity…

CUT 4 (07)  “there’s pimps”

Six of the establishments were issued emergency suspensions due to a threat to public safety. Hebert says the latest results of this operation show that this is not an issue that’s isolated to the French Quarter…

CUT 5 (07)  “addressing it”

============================

Morgan City Police are saying fake money used in movies is making its way across multiple parishes in southeast Louisiana. Sgt. Rick Hartley says a few banks, bars and convenience stores have reported to authorities they’ve received these counterfeit bills. He says at this time, they’ve arrested Vanisha August of Morgan City on one count of monetary instrument abuse.

CUT 6 (10) “other subjects”

Hartley says the bills they’ve confiscated are obviously fake marked with the phrase “Motion Picture Use Only.” But he says often times people will go into a dimly lit business in an effort to try to break the counterfeit bill for real money.

CUT 7 (07)  “little closer”

Hartley says you can purchase movie money on a number of websites, so it’s very easy to get your hands on this fake money.

CUT 8 (09)  “easily missed”

============================

Governor-elect John Bel Edwards has launched Onward-Louisiana-dot-com (onwardlouisiana.com) to give the residents of Louisiana updates on his plans and give those interested in working for his administration a chance to express their interest in a positon. Spokesperson for the Edwards transition team Mary Patricia Wray says they want the best and the brightest on their team.

CUT 9 (09)  “team members”

Wray says so far no decisions have been made on cabinet and secretary members, but the team is working hard to ensure announcements are made soon. She says Edwards is making sure he keeps the promises he made during his campaign.

cut 10 (08)  “to achieve”

Wray says even though the website launched just hours ago, the resumes are already pouring in.

Cut 11 (11) “the administration”

============================

Despite rumors that he could be fired soon after Saturday’s Texas A-and-M game, LSU Coach Les Miles says its business as usual as his team prepares for the Aggies. The coach was asked during the SEC Coaches teleconference if he felt this would be his last game at LSU…

cut 12 (12)  “my view”

Numerous media reports say Miles could be dismissed sometime after Saturday’s game. Miles, who has the highest winning percentage in school history, says there’s no reason to defend himself to those who are deciding his future…

cut 13 (09)  “not me”

Miles says his last conversation with athletic director Joe Alleva was on Sunday, but he didn’t say what was discussed. The coach says the biggest thing on his mind is Saturday’s game against A-and-M…

cut 14 (10)  “always done it” 

============================

The holidays are here and that means it’s time to get your flu shot. Emelie Gunn has more on this year’s flu season….

CUT 1 (29) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

______________________________________

The American Automobile Association estimates this Thanksgiving will see its most travelers since 2007. Don Molino has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Don Molino”

______________________________________

 The Lt. Governor is worried international tourism into the Pelican State could be impacted by the US issuing a worldwide terror alert. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 3 (25) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________

The Holiday Season is here, which means flu season is coming too. Dr. Frank Welch with the Department of Health and Hospitals says luckily this flu season is off to a slower start but you still should get your flu shot.

cut 4  (08)  “to spend”

Welch says as well as getting your flu vaccine, remember healthy habits like regular hand washing, cover your cough. He says this year’s shot seems to be well matched to the strain going around.

Cut 5  (09)  “much quicker”

Welch says the flu vaccine is available at your doctor’s office or usually a local pharmacy. He says try to live a healthier lifestyle during flu season to ward off the virus.

Cut 6 (07)  “your cough”

______________________________________

Oyster dressing is one of the most popular dishes on the Thanksgiving dinner table. The question is, are there enough oysters available for everyone to enjoy oyster dressing this Thanksgiving? Sal Sunseri, Co-owner of P&J Oyster Company in New Orleans, says although oyster production has been down since the BP disaster, you should find plenty of oysters for your dressing…

CUT 7 (09)  “we’re okay”

He says oyster production in Maryland has decreased the east coast demand for Louisiana oysters leaving plenty for your holiday dishes. Sunseri says oyster dressing is a dish that can be found on most holiday dinner tables all across the south…

Cut 8  (08)  “as a people”

He says, not only are oyster supplies good this Thanksgiving, but the quality of the oysters are very good. Sunseri says oyster dressing is an extraordinary dish for the holiday…

Cut 9 (08) “special time”

______________________________________

The American Automobile Association projects we’ll see the most Thanksgiving holiday travelers since 2007. Triple-A estimates nearly 47 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more during the four-day weekend. Don Redman says it is a modest, but notable increase from last year…

Cut 10 (09) “than currently”

Triple-A also estimates that consumers have saved nearly $350 million more on gasoline than last year, allowing them more financial flexibility to travel this Thanksgiving. Redman says these favorable gas prices will continue through the Thanksgiving holiday…

cut 11 (09) “several years”

More than 360,000 motorists are predicted to call Triple-A for roadside assistance during the holiday. Redman says the best way for motorists to avoid a break down is to check their vehicles before hitting the road…

Cut 12 (10) “hoses and belts”

______________________________________

Lt. Governor Jay Dardenne is concerned international tourism into Louisiana could be impacted by the United States’ issuing a worldwide terror alert. Dardenne says last year the Pelican State had the biggest increase in percentage of international visitors of any state in the country and he worries that will change.

Cut 13 (08)  “our numbers”

Dardenne says he doesn’t believe this will effect domestic tourism to Louisiana. He says we have to be respectful of international tourists because the threat wouldn’t be raised this high if it wasn’t necessary.

Cut 14 (08) “the ocean”

Dardenne says State Police has been very involved in staying up to date with various security agencies and in keeping residents and visitors safe. He hopes this terror alert won’t have a prolonged impact on Louisiana tourism.

Cut 15  (10) “to Louisiana” 

______________________________________

Louisiana Tech will battle Southern Miss in the regular season finale on Saturday in Ruston. The winner represents the West division in the Conference USA title game. Tech Quarterback Jeff Driskel likes that the last game has a lot on the line…

Cut 16  (12)  “we’ll be ready”

Southern Miss leads Conference USA in total defense and they are second in scoring defense, allowing 22 points a contest. Driskel doesn’t see any weaknesses with the Golden Eagles defense…

Cut 17 (15) “down to”

___________________________________________________________

The LSU players that have spoken to the media this week are in support of embattled head coach Les Miles, who could possibly be fired after Saturday’s game against Texas A-and-M. Wide receiver Malachi Dupre says Miles is one of the best coaches in college football…

Cut 18 (20) “….our coach“

Dupre says the rumors swirling about Miles’ future with the program has not been a distraction. But he says better play on the field would help in the argument to keep Miles employed at LSU…

Cut 19 (20) “of that”

Dupre says Miles has not spoken about his future when he’s met with the team…

Cut 20 (17) “can correct”

Blue Bell lovers are rejoicing as the creamery announces they’re coming back to Louisiana grocery stores on December 21^st. Emelie Gunn has more…

CUT 1 (31)  “I’m Emelie Gunn”

================

Several national college football reporters are in disbelief LSU is preparing to fire Les Miles at the end of the season. Jeff Palermo has the story…

CUT 2 (27)  “I’m Jeff Palermo”

===================

The Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry, the state Fire Marshal’s Office, and local authorities are seeking information on 86 suspected arsons in northwest Louisiana. Ag Commissioner Mike Strain says the suspicious fires happened between August 30th and October 21st…

CUT 3 (09)  “Jackson Parish”

Investigators have determined that a majority of these fires occurred on properties owned by timber company Weyerhaeuser (WARE-hous-er) Industries. Strain says a substantial reward is being offered for information leading to the capture for these arsonists…

CUT 4 (11)  “these arsons”

A $4,000 reward is being offered for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of these arsonists. He says these fires began in Bienville Parish and progressed into Jackson Parish in northwest Louisiana. Strain says arson is a serious crime that comes with serious penalties…

CUT 5 (08)  “have destroyed”

============================

Governor-elect John Bel Edwards made his first address since winning Saturday’s election at the annual Louisiana Federation of Teachers convention in Lake Charles. Edwards told teachers that he will insist on a greater accountability of charter schools and push for more autonomy for local school systems…

CUT 6 (11) “accountability system”

Edwards says a recent report in the Advocate newspaper stating that he wants to ban charter schools is not true. He says he has proposed nothing that would really affect an existing charter school. But Edwards says charter school placement should not be a decision necessarily made by BESE…

CUT 7 (10)  “that simple”

Edwards told teachers that after he is sworn into office on January 11th, they were going to have a partner in the Governor’s Office. Edwards also stated that he has no intention to take the voucher program off the books, but would seek to steer the program back to its original purpose…

CUT 8 (09)  “failing school”

============================

Blue Bell ice cream lovers are in luck, the creamery is announcing they’re coming back to the Pelican State. Spokesperson Joe Robertson says Blue Bell will begin to restock Louisiana grocery stores on December 21^st.

CUT 9 (07)  “these phases”

Blue Bell pulled its ice cream from the shelves in April over listeria concerns. The popular ice cream has been coming back in phases over the last few months. Robertson says most of their retail partners have welcomed them back and they’ll be in most major grocery stores. He says currently, they’re only selling five flavors of ice cream.

cut 10 (08)  “start out”

Robertson says with each phase, they bring back more employees.

Cut 11 (10) “those areas”

============================

Many in the national media believe it’s crazy LSU would fire Coach Les Miles at the end of the regular season. Miles has won one national championship and 110 games in his eleven seasons in Baton Rouge. Dennis Dodd with cbs-sports-dot-com, says LSU would be making a horrible decision if they axed Miles…

cut 12 (10)  “winning”

Dodd says it was only three weeks ago when LSU was ranked second in the college football playoff rankings.  He says it will be very hard to replace Miles with a better coach…

cut 13 (11)  “if they do”

Miles’ job security came into question last week as a result of a published report that said he was coaching for his job. Athletic Director Joe Alleva has remained quiet.Dodd says Alleva is mishandling this situation…

cut 14 (12)  “of this” 

============================