Louisiana’s been dealing with near record high temperatures in some cases and the National Weather Service says the warm air is bringing in the next big storm system mid-weekend. Emelie Gunn reports…:

CUT 1 (29)  “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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

Crawfish season is underway and early reports say the mudbugs are bigger than normal and you can thank this weather. Emelie Gunn reports…:

CUT 2 (27)  “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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

Louisiana’s been dealing with near record high temperatures in some cases and the National Weather Service says the warm air is bringing in the next big storm system mid-weekend. Jason Hansford with the National Weather Service in Shreveport says it’s hard to believe we’re in December when you look at the forecast these days…:

CUT 3 (07)  “are possible”

Hansford says there is a marginal risk for severe weather moving across the state starting Saturday evening in some areas then into Sunday with showers and thunderstorms increasing. He says there’s a large disturbance moving across the southern plains on Sunday, which has opened up the Gulf of Mexico bringing these warm and humid conditions…:

CUT 4 (07)  “could be severe”

Hansford says the system will clear out to start the work week and temperatures will cool off but only slightly. He says the squall line moving through the state Saturday evening into Sunday brings with it a damaging wind threat and the potential for isolated flash flooding…:

CUT 5 (06)  “inches”

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

Crawfish season is underway and early reports say the mudbugs are much bigger than normal for this time of year . Scott Landry, spokesman for Seafood Palace in Lake Charles, believes there are a couple of reasons crawfish are so big so early in the season…

CUT 6 (09) “moving around”

He says the weather and water conditions are making the early crawfish season so favorable. Landry says the crawfish, so far this season, are larger than they have been in several years. He says they look like an early spring crawfish…

CUT 7 (05) “this year” 

He says if the weather keeps up, it will be a great crawfish season. Landry expects business to be good this season because people love a bigger sized crawfish…

CUT 8 (06) “the effort“

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

Construction of the equipment needed to dispose of 16 million pounds of M6 propellant stored at Camp Minden in Webster Parish continues. The process to dispose of the explosives will begin next year. LSU-Shreveport Chemistry professor Brian Salvatore toured the construction site Thursday. Salvatore says about 90-percent of everything needed to conduct the contained burn are on site…

CUT 9 (09)  “in the world”

He says the contained burn chamber was loaded on a truck this week. Salvatore says the chamber will travel to Louisiana through the river system and be unloaded at the port of Nachitoches…

cut 10 (07)  “January 8th”

He says they expect the disposal to be complete in January of 2017. Salvatore says the assembly of the contained burn chamber will be complete in January with test burns starting in February…

Cut 11 (06) “efficiency perfect”

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

Former Louisiana Tech president Dan Reneau has been named interim president of the University of Louisiana System. Reneau will serve as president until the board finds a permanent replacement for Sandra Woodley, who is resigning as president at the end of the year. Reneau served as president of Louisiana Tech for 26 years before retiring in 2013…:

cut 12 (09)  “period of time”

The UL System Board says they are thrilled to have Dr. Reneau lead the system during the time of transition as his vast experience made him the ideal candidate for the job. Reneau joined the faculty at Tech in 1967 as an assistant professor of chemical engineering…:

cut 13 (07)  “system”

Woodley will stay on in an advisory role through March 15th. Reneau says he’s honored to have been asked to help out on a temporary basis…:

cut 14 (10)  “permanent president” 

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

It’s another weekend of state championship football inside the Mercedes Benz Superdome. Jeff Palermo has the story…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________

The two officers accused of fatally shooting a six-year-old child and wounding his father have been formally charged with murder. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (27) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________

With only two more weeks until Christmas and many people haven’t even started holiday shopping. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

______________________________________

The nonselect select state championships are this weekend in the Mercedes Benz Superdome. The first of five game starts today at 4:30 with the One-A championship game between Kentwood two-time defending champion Haynesville. And there are three more games tomorrow starting at noon. LHSAA director Eddie Bonine says they are expecting big crowds

cut 4  (06)  “all day”

The action concludes Saturday night with the 5A championship game as John Ehret faces Zachary. The Broncos are making their first appearance in a state championship football game, while the Patriots haven’t been to the Dome in 30 years. Bonine says it’s a lot of fun to see kids play at the Dome for the first time…

Cut 5  (08)  “go wow”

Bonine says for the ten teams that have made it to the Dome this weekend, it’s been a long journey to get there…

Cut 6 (09)  “put in”

______________________________________

Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections Secretary James Le Blanc says Darrel Vannoy will transition into the top position at Angola and work with outgoing Warden Burl Cain. Jackson Representative Kenny Havard, whose district includes Angola, says if the allegations Cain had private business dealings with inmates are true, then his resignation was the right call…:

CUT 7 (10)  “two sets of rules”

The Advocate published a series of articles questioning whether Cain was making major real estate deals with favored inmates and their families which would violate department policy. Havard says Cain leaves behind a great legacy in many ways, but it’s possible the warden has made some bad decisions recently…: (The Department says Vannoy’s appointment is not permanent.)

Cut 8  (09)  “up and up”

Vannoy is the current warden at Dixon Correctional Institute and a 40 year corrections employee according to the department’s release. Havard has heard from many people in his district who work at Angola that feel it’s time for new leadership…:

Cut 9 (08) “inmates”

______________________________________

One of the more unique holiday traditions in Louisiana takes place tomorrow night in south Louisiana with the 12th annual Delcambre Christmas Boat Parade.  Parade President Marae Fontenot says there is a variety of events leading up to the parade including, their first ever tacky Christmas sweater 5-K run and kids can eat pancakes with Santa.

Cut 10 (11) “the boats” 

The boat parade begins at 6 p.m. Fontenot says each boat uses their own personal creativity to decorate their vessel and people from Acadiana come to watch.

cut 11 (10) “boating parade”

Fontenot says the night will finish off with an extravagant fireworks display. But she says the main attraction is the boat parade, which was started 12 years ago by Delcambre resident Jeff LeBlanc, who got the idea after seeing a similar boat parade in Florida.

Cut 12 (09) “each other”

_____________________________________

There are two more weeks until Christmas day and there are many that still have not done anything when it comes to Christmas shopping. Dr. Michelle Moore, LSU Health New Orleans Clinical Psychologist, says people have different personality types and procrastinators usually wait until the last minute to do everything in life, not just to holiday shop.

Cut 13 (09)  “any sooner”

Moore says procrastinators are usually just born with that type of personality and the same goes for anxious people, who get things done early on. She says often times, lolly gaggers don’t mind rushing to get their holiday shopping done just days before Christmas.

Cut 14 (10) “the end”

Moore says there is nothing clinically wrong with dilly dallying, unless it’s a personality trait that bothers you. She says men are often put into the category of procrastinating but things always end up getting accomplished.

Cut 15  (08) “bought it” 

 __________________________________

Emotions were running high during a public hearing in New Orleans over whether or not to remove four Confederate monuments. The City Council is expected to vote next week one way or another on a declaration that states the structures are a nuisance which would pave the way for them to come down. One pro-monument speaker said the statues are part of the city’s culture:

Cut 16  (16)  “slave culture”

Other pro-monument speakers say removing the statues would be a dishonor to US Veterans. This woman believes New Orleans should not be wasting its time on a nuisance law…:

Cut 17 (12) “council members”

But this man says the statues represent a shameful history for New Orleans…:

Cut 18 (08) “it’s oppressive”

This anti-monument woman says the issue has been discussed for a long time and it’s not going to go away…:

Cut 19 (11) “down”

The United Health Foundation’s annual America’s Health Rankings lists Louisiana as the least healthy state in the country. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 1 (27)  “I’m Eric Gill”

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

Angola Warden Burl Cain has decided to give up his post at the end of the year. Jeff Palermo reports…

CUT 2 (30)  “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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

President Barack Obama signs a major new education bill that will give states more control over school accountability and student testing. It replaces the 2002 No Child Left Behind education law. State Superintendent of Education John White believes the new legislation is a good thing for Louisiana’s public schools.

CUT 3 (10)  “our kids”

White says this legislation will allow for the state to determine our own standards. He says that’s currently underway as a large committee made up of Louisiana education leaders is looking at proposed changes to Common Core.

CUT 4 (09)  “high expectations”

White says we can expect good things around the bend for our kids. He says this legislation increases funding for low performing schools to turn themselves around and Louisiana has had success doing so in Orleans and East Baton Rouge Parishes.

CUT 5 (09)  “failing school”

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

The United Health Foundation’s annual America’s Health Rankings lists Louisiana as the least healthy state in the country. United Health Foundation’s Rhonda Randall says Louisiana fell two spots from last year. She says several factors lead to Louisiana’s low ranking…

CUT 6 (09) “graduation rate”

The report cites high smoking and obesity rates among residents as causes for the state’s unhealthy ranking. Randall says Louisiana ranks 50th in the country in the percentage of children living in poverty and that is a big concern…

CUT 7 (09) “high school” 

Randall says children living in poverty in Louisiana has increased 73-percent in the past 5 years. She says, while it may be difficult, it’s not impossible to improve Louisiana’s ranking. Randall says it may be up to you, as an individual, to spur your family and friends to make healthy lifestyle changes…

CUT 8 (07) “do the same”“

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

A 14-year-old bicyclist was hit by a pickup truck and killed in Prairieville at around 6 last night. The driver was charged with negligent homicide. State Police Trooper Bryan Lee say the crash happened as the victim, Brennan Rube of Prairieville, was riding his bike on LA 73 and 26-year-old Joshua Ashford of Gonzales hit him from behind him and caused him to be thrown from the bike.

CUT 9 (09)  “speed limit”

Rube, a freshman at Dutchtown High School, was pronounced dead at the scene. Lee says troopers have determined Ashford was traveling faster than the 45 mile per hour speed limit and that was a factor in the crash.

cut 10 (03)  “negligent homicide”

Lee says Rube was wearing dark clothing, wasn’t wearing a helmet and did not have the proper lights on his bicycle that would’ve helped Ashford see him sooner but speeding played a big factor in the accident.

Cut 11 (08) “that crash”

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

Angola Warden Burl Cain has decided to give up his post at the end of the year after nearly 21 years on the job. Cain’s resignation comes weeks after The Advocate newspaper published articles questioning whether his real estate deals with relatives and friends of inmates violated Department of Corrections rules. Cain says when the paper questioned his religious beliefs, he knew it was time to go…

cut 12 (04)  “over the edge”

Cain is 73-years-old and the longest serving warden in Angola history. He has gained world-wide recognition for his efforts in reforming the prison. Cain says his biggest accomplishment at Angola does not lie with the buildings on the prison campus…

cut 13 (08)  “what counts”

Corrections Secretary Jimmy LeBlanc will appoint Cain’s successor. Cain believes LeBlanc will select Dixon Correctional Institute Warden Darrell Vannoy to replace him at Angola…

cut 14 (10)  “and it’s stable” 

Longtime Angola warden Burl Cain tells a Baton Rouge television station that he will step down at the end of the year. Jeff Palermo has more…

CUT 1 (29) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________

 A Baton Rouge based pharmaceutical company has developed a new vaccine for prostate cancer. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

______________________________________

The first published poll on next year’s US Senate race shows Public Service Commissioner Foster Campbell, a Democrat, and Republican State Treasurer John Kennedy leading the field in a hypothetical matchup. Michelle Southern reports…:

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

______________________________________

The first deadline for Louisiana residents to purchase health insurance for 2016 through the Afordable Care Act is approaching. Acting Administrator for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Andy Slavitt, says time is running out if you want insurance that begins with the new year through the Health Insurance Marketplace…

cut 4  (05)  “December 15th”

The open enrollment deadline to purchase insurance coverage that begins January 1st is December 15th. Louisiana has already surpassed last year’s enrollment numbers as almost 61,000 residents have signed up for coverage as of December 5th. Slavitturges consumers to not wait until the last minute and give yourself time to shop around for insurance coverage on healthcare-dot-gov…

Cut 5  (06)  “save some money”

Open enrollment ends on January 31st. Having health insurance when you can afford it is now law. Kevin Counihan, CEO of Health Insurance Marketplaces, says the fee for choosing to not have health insurance will increase next year…

Cut 6 (06)  “$695 or more”

______________________________________

A task force formed by the state legislature has begun work on developing legislation regarding the use of police body cameras. Ville Platte Mayor Jennifer Vidrine says the body cameras have been an asset to her police officers and they want to make sure other police departments take advantage of this technology

CUT 7 (12)  “90-percent”

A bill was proposed earlier this year requiring all law enforcement officers in the state to have body cameras within the next two years. Lt. Colonel David Stanton, with State Police, says the body camera technology is developing and that needs to be considered as they discuss rules for funding and training agencies…

Cut 8  (06)  “next year”

The task force is charged with developing rules for proper use of body cameras, guidelines on releasing video data and if there should be any situations where officers do not wear them. Louisiana NAACP attorney Alfreda Bester says the goal is to have something that could be submitted for the 2016 legislative session

Cut 9 (10) “criminal justice system”

______________________________________

A pharmaceutical company out of Baton Rouge has created a therapeutic vaccine for prostate cancer. Phase one of the therapy vaccine, ProscaVax, developed by OncBioMune Pharmaceuticals Inc, has been approved by the FDA. CEO Jonathan Head says there is a huge need for this product and so far in trials it’s been a success with very little side effects.

Cut 10 (06) “no toxicity” 

Head says ProsaVax is a therapeutic vaccine and injected into the body after someone is diagnosed with prostate cancer. He says the goal is for this to be an alternative to radiation or surgery.

cut 11 (05) “and toxicity”

Head says they hope the vaccine will be widely available in three years. He says hopefully the trial period will show that it can allow patients to live a normal life while undergoing treatment.

Cut 12 (09) “great success”

_____________________________________

The first published poll on next year’s US Senate race shows Public Service Commissioner Foster Campbell, a Democrat, and Republican State Treasurer John Kennedy leading the field in a hypothetical matchup. The survey was commissioned for the super PAC supporting Kennedy. UL-Lafayette Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says he can see Kennedy on top of this one:

Cut 13 (11)  “know who he is”

The seat is being vacated by Republican David Vitter who announced his retirement after losing the governor’s race. Other GOP potential candidates included in this poll are Public Service Commissioner Scott Angelle, Congressmen Charles Boustany and John Fleming, and Retired Col Rob Maness. Cross says if all 5 Republicans run, things will get interesting…:

Cut 14 (11) “the runoff”

Cross says even though Louisiana just elected a Democratic Governor, it’s still a very red state and voters are likely going to choose a Republican for US Senate. He says it would shake things up dramatically if another Democrat joined the field…:

Cut 15  (11) “great deal” 

 __________________________________

The Saints continue their preparations today for Sunday’s game against Tampa Bay. New Orleans has lost four in a row and its record has dropped to 4-8, leaving the Black and Gold with slim playoff hopes. Coach Sean Payton says there’s no looking back or too far ahead, as the team’s main focus is beating the Bucs

Cut 16  (10)  “our focus”

The Saints will take on a team Sunday that’s still in the playoff hunt. Tampa Bay is 6-6 and Quarterback Jameis Winston is in the running for Rookie of the Year. Payton says he’s improved since the Saints saw him in Week 2…

Cut 17 (15) “they’re winning”

Veteran running back Doug Martin is another reason for the Bucs success. He’s second in the NFL in rushing. Payton says Martin’s success on 1st and second downs is helping Tampa Bay grind out drives…

Cut 18 (15) “…he’s averaging”

A new report from Pew Charitable Trusts shows that only 12-percent of Louisiana legislators in 2015 were women, the lowest percentage in the nation. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 1 (30)  “I’m Eric Gill”

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

The LSU Foundation says the percentage of alumni who give to LSU on a regular basis is “dead last” in the Southeastern Football Conference. Jeff Palermo reports…:

CUT 2 (29)  “I’m Eric Gill”

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

A new report from Pew Charitable Trusts shows Louisiana has the lowest percentage in the nation of women participating in the state legislature. The report shows that only 12-percent of Louisiana legislators in 2015 were women. UNO Political Science Professor Christine Day says this is not a surprise as the bottom 10 of this list are generally Republican, conservative states…

CUT 3 (06)  “liberal states”

The national average of female participation in state legislatures was about 24-percent last year. In 2016, four more women will serve in the Louisiana House, while one more woman will serve in the state Senate. While it’s unclear if this will move Louisiana out of the bottom spot, Day says this is a good sign…

CUT 4 (06)  “trend nationwide”

She points out that Louisiana has had a woman in the US Senate, Mary Landrieu, and a woman governor, Kathleen Blanco. Day says Hillary Clinton’s presidential run could influence other women to jump into politics…

CUT 5 (10)  “recruit more women”

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

A Calvary Baptist Academy teacher has been arrested for inappropriate conduct through online messaging with his student. According to State Police, 25-year-old Kyle Rutledge of Shreveport contacted a 16-year-old female student online. Trooper Matt Harris says the student immediately told her parents about the initial inappropriate message, who notified the school and authorities.

CUT 6 (10) “and him”

Harris says Rutledge was charged with Computer Aided Solicitation of a Minor, Indecent Behavior with Juveniles, and Prohibited Sexual Conduct between Educator and Student. He says a teacher is supposed to be a trusted adult in a student’s life.

CUT 7 (09) “it happens” 

Harris says they take crimes like this very seriously. He says if convicted, Rutledge could face up to 70 years in prison and fined up to 75-thousand dollars.

CUT 8 (11) “correctional center”“

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

The percentage of alumni who give to LSU on a regular basis is “dead last” in the Southeastern Football Conference. That’s according to LSU Foundation Head Stephen Moret. He said on the Jim Engster Show that only 6 percent of LSU’s graduates donate money to the university…:

CUT 9 (09)  “objective”

Moret says the average in private donations by alumni for all SEC school’s is around 14 percent. He said on the Jim Engster show that LSU students aren’t being told about giving back to their alma mater and why it matters, which is what needs to change…:

cut 10 (08)  “at LSU”

LSU’s endowment per student is tied for last the conference at $420 million. Moret says public higher education has been under great strain over the past several years which is why private donations are so important. He said on the Jim Engster Show they plan to show people who give that their investment is truly helping to bring LSU to the next level:

Cut 11 (08) “total impact”

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

Republican Col. Rob Maness has filed a statement of candidacy for the open Louisiana senate seat being vacated by Senator David Vitter next year. Maness unsuccessfully ran for U.S. Senate in 2014. He says the experience of people running and being elected these days is very limiting and he believes it’s his duty to provide leadership and expertise.

cut 12 (08)  “run for it”

Maness says even with the large amount of candidates seeking this seat, he believes they have a solid voter base and are continuing to build. The retired Air Force colonel says he’s learned many lessons from his last run for senate.

cut 13 (10)  “around the state”

Maness says this time around, he’s worked to better the way his campaign team is constructed and has concentrated more on fundraising efforts.

cut 14 (07)  “ready to go” 

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

Two national studies show Louisiana ranks last in the country for volunteering. Emelie Gunn finds out if these surveys accurately portray the state…

CUT 1 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

______________________________________

The Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids issued its annual report card on how states are doing with efforts in keeping young people from smoking, and Louisiana gets a failing grade. Michelle Southern reports…:

Cut 2 (28) “I’m Michelle Southern”

______________________________________

The Justice Department announces there’s insufficient evidence to pursue criminal civil rights charges against any official with the Iberia Parish Sheriff’s office in connection with the fatal shooting of Victor White. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (31) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________

According to studies from WalletHub and the Corporation for National and Community Service, Louisiana ranks as the worst state in the country when it comes to volunteering. But Executive Director of Volunteer Louisiana Judd Jeansonne says the national surveys do not align with their own statewide numbers. He says a study they commissioned and produced by LSU shows a much higher rate of volunteerism.

cut 4  (09)  “40 percent”

Jeansonne says the national surveys do not include church and faith based volunteering. He says often time people who donate their time to the church don’t see it as volunteering.

Cut 5  (10)  “other prompts”

Jeansonne says although these national studies might not accurately show the volunteer rate in the state, it still creates a negative perception. He’s convinced that most Louisiana residents are charitable when it comes to their time…

Cut 6 (10)  “we are”

______________________________________

 A group called the Monumental Task Committee says they have collected over 31-thousand signatures from people who oppose the removal of four Confederate monuments in New Orleans. President Pierre McGraw says they want their voices heard before the city council holds a special committee meeting on Thursday that will discuss the removal of the structures.

CUT 7 (11)  “to attend”

McGraw says the M-T-C supports the instillation of interpretive plaques to help gain a better understanding of the original and current context of these monuments. He says they also would like to erect new monuments dedicated to influential people, including Civil Rights Freedom writers and have requested to talk with the mayor to put the construction in motion.

Cut 8  (10)  “holiday season”

McGraw says they have received creditable reports that Mayor Mitch Landrieu has contracted the removal of the monuments without opening it up to public bid. He says another concern is of the qualifications of those removing the monuments and if they would be stored safely.

Cut 9 (08) “store them”

______________________________________

The Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids issued its annual report card on how states are doing with efforts in keeping young people from smoking, and Louisiana gets a failing grade. Spokesman John Schachter (Shack-Ter) says the state spends $7 million dollars on tobacco prevention programs…:

Cut 10 (03) “CDC recommends” 

Schachter says most states get failing grades on their report card and Louisiana ranks 28th in the country on anti-smoking campaigns. He says the smoking industry spends $31 to promote their product for every $1 Louisiana uses on tobacco cessation and prevention programs…:

cut 11 (06) “especially kids”

Schachter says Louisiana will collect nearly $398 million dollars this year from the 1998 tobacco settlement and tobacco taxes, but will only spend about 2% of that on prevention programs. He says their report also found that tobacco claims 7200 lives in Louisiana and costs the state $1.9 billion in health care bills annually…:

Cut 12 (11) “of the state”

_____________________________________

The US Justice Department announces they will not seek federal criminal civil rights charges in connection with the fatal shooting of Victor White, who died from a gunshot wound sustained while in the back of an Iberia Parish Sheriff’s deputy patrol vehicle. Legal analyst Tim Meche says it appears federal officials conducted a thorough investigation.

Cut 13 (07)  “police car”

White’s family has questioned how the 22-year-old man shot himself in March of 2014, while handcuffed in the back of the police car. The Iberia Parish Coroner ruled the death a suicide. US Attorney Stephanie Finley says gunshot residue was found on both of Mr. White’s hands and Meche says its that kind of evidence that supports a self-inflicted shooting

Cut 14 (07) “shot himself”

Meche says there’s not many options for the White family, if they believe justice still has not been served…

Cut 15  (08) “for free” 

A new policy is in place that will require high school seniors attending public schools to apply for financial aid to attend college. Jeff Palermo has the story…

CUT 1 (27)  “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Lafayette ranks as the worst in the nation for jobs decline. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 2 (29)  “I’m Eric Gill”

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

Starting with the senior class 2018, Louisiana high school students who attend public school will be required to apply for financial aid for college. State Superintendent of Education John White says students are leaving tens of millions of dollars on the table every year because they do not apply…

CUT 3 (09)  “financial aid”

White says they estimate about 15-thousand seniors do not seek federal aid and that’s ashame, because they could be eligible for assistance to attend a university or community college

CUT 4 (11)  for Louisiana kids”

Filling out financial aid applications with the state and federal government will be required for graduation starting in 2018. Students can opt out, but their parents will need to sign a waiver. White says they at least want to present students with a choice

CUT 5 (09)  “first place”

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

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Lafayette ranks as the worst in the nation for jobs decline. Between October 2014 and October 2015, the area lost approximately 4,300 jobs. LSU Economist Dr. Loren Scott says the Lafayette economy, as well as Houma-Thibodaux’s, is getting hit hard by the decline in oil prices…

CUT 6 (10) “Louisiana experiences“

The Houma-Thibodaux area has lost some 2,800 jobs during the same time period. Scott says the downturn in the oil and gas industry affects other parts of the economy, as well. He says the oil and gas industry has a multiplier effect of five…

CUT 7 (09)  “services sector“

On the other side of the coin, the Lake Charles area has the nation’s third best percentage of job increases, as they have added 4,600 jobs. Scott says the increase is fueled by huge construction projects in the area, like two LNG export terminals that are under construction…

CUT 8 (11)  “build them, too“

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

State Police are investigating a seven vehicle crash that occurred on I-10 in West Baton Rouge Parish early this morning. Sergeant Nick Manale says the crash happened around 3AM in heavy fog conditions when a passenger vehicle stopped in the roadway…

CUT 9 (09)  “stopped vehicle”

He says a total of six 18-wheelers were involved in the crash. Manale says one of the rigs burst into flames after the crash and the others were severely damaged. He says, luckily, there were no serious injuries reported…

cut 10 (11)  “local hospitals”

Two people were taken to the hospital with minor injuries. Manale says their investigation is ongoing, but there were many factors involved with this crash…

Cut 11 (11) “18-wheelers”

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

State Police say a 31-year-old man is under arrest in the deaths of two people found dead in a home in East Feliciana Parish. Trooper Bryan Lee says Eric Sanders of Norwood is charged with two counts of first degree murder. Lee says the victims were found Sunday at a home near Clinton…

cut 12 (09)  “Zachary, Louisiana”

The victims have been identified as 46-year-old Kem Smith of Clinton and her boyfriend, 39-year old Clfton Cowan, Jr. of Zachary. Lee says LSP got involved with the investigation at the request of the East Feliciana Parish Sheriff’s Office…

cut 13 (10)  “degree murder”

The investigation determined that Sanders was the ex-husband of Smith. Lee says Sanders was arrested without incident…

cut 14 (05)  “degree murder” 

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

Leonard Fournette is not a finalist for the Heisman Trophy. Jeff Palermo has the story…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________

The state Department of Transportation and Development says the maintenance work being done on the Sunshine Bridge in St. James Parish is now complete. Michelle Southern reports…:

Cut 2 (29) “I’m Michelle Southern”

______________________________________

Governor-elect John Bel Edwards announces his Commissioner of Administration is Lt. Governor Jay Dardenne. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 3 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

______________________________________

 Governor Bobby Jindal will be in Shreveport today to begin a tour around the state highlighting his economic development wins during his two terms in office. Jindal will tour the Benteler Steel/Tube facility and visit with employees. Tomorrow, he’ll be at CenturyLink in Monroe. His former Economic Development Secretary Stephen Moret says Jindal worked hard a bringing jobs into Louisiana.

cut 4  (08)  “an impact”

 According to the governor’s office, under Jindal’s leadership the state has set employment and per-capita income records and his economic development efforts are leading to over 91-thousand new jobs in Louisiana. Moret says this was one area where Jindal really made a big impact.

Cut 5  (07)  “the state”

 According to the governor’s office, since 2008, the state has secured economic development wins with more than 62-billion dollars in new capital investment and hundreds of millions of dollars in new sales for small businesses in Louisiana. Moret says he’s proud of the work he did with Jindal and they sweated blood and tears to produce those things.

Cut 6 (08)  “leaders”

______________________________________

 The state Department of Transportation and Development says the maintenance work being done on the Sunshine Bridge in St. James Parish is now complete. The project, which began in February 2014, involved cleaning, painting and performing structural repairs to the main spans of the Sunshine Bridge on LA70. DOTD spokesman Rodney Mallett says it was a $25 million dollar job:

CUT 7 (10)  “four lanes of traffic”

Mallett says the bridge is used, on average, by about 22,000 motorists on a daily basis and was a vital route used by folks going to and from the Houma-Thibodaux area to Baton Rouge. He says the bridge was limited to one lane in each direction which did cause some delays, but it was work that had to be done…:

Cut 8  (06)  “the life of it”

The Sunshine Bridge was built in the early 60s and requires regular painting and maintenance to ensure that the structure provides a long service life. Mallett says work was scheduled to be completed by spring 2016, but extra workers and a string of nice weather enabled the contractors to finish up early. He says this also beneficial to the state:

Cut 9 (10) “finishing early”

______________________________________

LSU’s Leonard Fournette was a favorite to win the Heisman Trophy before the Alabama game, but it turns out he’s not even a finalist. Fournette did not receive an invitation to be in New York City, when the Heisman will be handed out on Saturday. Coach Les Miles says the cancelling of the McNeese game hurt Fournette’s chances…

Cut 10 (11) “that night” 

Even though Fournette played one less game than scheduled, he still broke the LSU single season rushing record by compiling 1,741 yards on the ground. Miles says while Fournette is not a Heisman finalist, he still had one heck of a year

cut 11 (10) “for anybody”

Miles says not winning the Heisman or finishing as a Heisman finalist will likely motivate Fournette to have an even better year next season

Cut 12 (02) “bit differently”

_____________________________________

Governor-elect John Bel Edwards announces Lt. Governor Jay Dardenne as the Commissioner of Administration and Kimberly Lewis Robinson as Secretary of Revenue. Edwards says he chose Dardenne for the positon, because of his history in the legislature and knowledge on how to balance the state budget.

Cut 13 (09)  “and honest”

Edwards says Dardenne will make sure that we propose and pass a budget that is truly worthy of the people of Louisiana. He says Robinson is a talented professional who understands the serious budget problems and can simplify our current tax structure.

Cut 14 (09) “the administration”

Dardenne, who ran for governor and finished fourth the primary, endorsed Edwards over Senator David Vitter in the runoff. He says his endorsement of Edwards had nothing to do with him getting this post. The Lt. Governor says he will work as hard as he can to act responsibly.

Cut 15  (11) “of Louisiana” 

 Dardenne says up until Edwards called him to think about the position, he was ready to retire but this is a challenge he was willing to accept.

Cut 16  (11)  “the solution”

Nominations for the 58th Grammy Awards have been announced and Louisiana is well represented.  Eric Gill reports…

CUT 1 (29)  “I’m Eric Gill”

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

Republican US Representative John Fleming has officially announced he will run for the US Senate seat that’s being vacated by David Vitter. Jeff Palermo has the story…

CUT 2 (29)  “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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

The Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate last week’s murder of a 56-year-old woman in Bourg. Capt. Dawn Foret says Pamela Johnson was found dead of a gunshot wound last Tuesday and the two children she was caring for were kidnapped by the shooter. Foret says they now have a description of the alleged shooter…

CUT 3 (09)  “years of age”

Foret says the suspect fled in Johnson’s gray Buick Enclave and abandoned the vehicle in west Houma between 6:15 and 6:30 last Monday evening. The two girls were left inside the vehicle overnight and asked for help Tuesday morning. Since that is a busy traffic time in the area, Foret says they are asking for the public’s help…

CUT 4 (10)  “contact us”

The TPSO is also investigating four recent heroin overdoses in the parish that have resulted in two deaths. Foret says an arrest warrant is out for 27-year-old Shantelle White in connection with the overdose death of 35-year-old Christy Hurst…

CUT 5 (11)  “overdose deaths”

White is a 5’2″ 120 pound white female with brown/blond hair. Foret says they are trying to determine if these overdose victims received their heroine from the same source. She says investigators are also looking into the death of 28-year-old Terry Braud of Shriever was found dead of an apparent heroin overdose Thursday…

CUT 6 (07) “contact with”

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

Louisiana Tech is heading to the R-and-L Carriers New Orleans Bowl where the Bulldogs will play Arkansas State on December 19th. It’s only the second time in school history that Tech will appear in back-to-back bowl games and its the Bulldogs first appearance in the New Orleans Bowl. Coach Skip Holtz is looking forward to the game…

CUT 7 (06)  “get too”

Louisiana Tech brings an 8-4 record to the bowl game, while Arkansas State has won its last eight consecutive games. Holtz says he’s impressed with what he’s seen from the Red Wolves…

CUT 8 (11)  “football games”

Holtz says to represent Louisiana Tech in only its eighth bowl game in school history is certainly something our players are really excited about…

CUT 9 (09)  “in New Orleans”

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

Governor-elect John Bel Edwards announced his transition committee for healthcare today and says expanding Medicare is one of his top priorities. State Treasurer John Kennedy estimates it will cost about 1.5 billion dollars to add 300-thousand new people to Medicaid and he hopes the state will negotiate some terms that other states have in place…

cut 10 (06)  “percent of it”

Kennedy also suggests giving incentives to patients to live a healthier lifestyle, like quitting smoking and losing weight. He also says we should require a small co-pay for visiting doctors’ offices.

Cut 11 (10) “or hospital”

Kennedy says another idea to keep down Medicaid costs is requiring able-bodied recipients to take job training courses or get a job. He says none of these solutions are radical and hopes the administration considers these ideas to save us a lot of money.

cut 12 (10)  “anything else”

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

US Representative John Fleming has made it official. The republican from Minden has announced his candidacy for US Senate, as he’ll seek the seat that David Vitter is giving up. Fleming made his announcement with a posting on youtube

cut 13 (13)  “United States Senate”

Fleming says he wants to work on legislation to fight terrorism, remove Obamacare and help small businesses grow. Fleming has served in the US House since 2009 and is expected to be one of several prominent republicans to be on the ballot next fall

cut 14 (07)  “is possible” 

ULM political science professor Joshua Stockley says Fleming is a strong candidate that will  have a good chance at replacing Vitter as Senator

cut 15 (10)  “if you will”

Stockley says expects a large field of candidates to run…

cut 16 (13)  “John Kennedy”

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries has received 11 new whooping cranes to be released into the wild in a couple of weeks. Emelie Gunn has more…

CUT 1 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

______________________________________

A UNO Philosophy Professor has received a grant to study alternatives to incarceration. Eric Gill reports…

Cut 2 (29) “I’m Eric Gill”

______________________________________

Those looking to give hoverboards as a gift this holiday season need to be wary as they’re known to burst into flames.  Jeff Palermo reports…

Cut 3 (29) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries has received 11 young whooping cranes to be released at White Lake Wetlands Conservation Area. Spokesperson Bo Boehringer says the population will increase to 46 with the addition of 8 females and 3 males. He says they’re working to create a flock that is able to survive in the wild.

cut 4  (10)  “adult birds”

Boehringer says they’ve experienced some hardships since the project began six years ago, like illnesses and birds being illegally shot. But he’s optimistic with hard work the whooping crane population will increase and flourish.

Cut 5  (10)  “success process”

Boehringer says biologists predict that a successful hatch with the whooping cranes is in the near future. He says once the birds start to reproduce on their own, they hope to have over 100 mating pairs.

Cut 6 (08)  “the population”

______________________________________

A UNO Philosophy Professor has received a grant to study alternatives to incarceration. The US leads the world, on a per capita basis, in incarceration and Louisiana incarcerates more people per capita than any other state in the nation. Professor Chris Suprenant (SIR-pruh-nont) says the grant will help them study America’s approach to punishment…

CUT 7 (06)  “of punishment”

Suprenant says the project will consider under what conditions incarceration is legitimate and should be implemented. He says the goal of punishment is to deter bad behavior from happening again. Suprenant says locking people up doesn’t always achieve the desired goal…

Cut 8  (06)  “as a society”

The grant, from the Charles Koch Foundation, will fund an academic conference and studies related to the topic. Suprenant says they will look at other forms of punishment that are currently being used or have been used historically…

Cut 9 (10) “realizing justice”

______________________________________

The highly sought after “hoverboard” is on the top of many children’s Christmas wish lists, but these self-balancing, motorized scooters have been known to burst into flames. State Fire Marshal Butch Browning says read up on these devices before purchasing one…

Cut 10 (10) “laboratory” 

Browning says in November, a Lafitte resident was harmed by a fire started from an exploding “hoverboard,” but events like this are happening all over the country. He advises buyers to read the operation manual before using the device.

cut 11 (10) “recommendations”

Browning says not all hoverboards are unsafe, because some are properly tested. He says the highest risk of fire is when the device is charging.

Cut 12 (09) “the battery”

_____________________________________

It looks as though a stiff competition is brewing in the race to be Louisiana’s next Speaker of the House. Governor-elect John Bel Edwards is backing New Orlreans Democratic Representative Walt Leger. Conservatives are working to drum up support for Republican Representative Cameron Henry of Metairie to lead the lower chamber. LaPolitics.com publisher Jeremy Alford:

Cut 13 (13)  “for confrontation”

Some are wondering if this battle could be a sign of what’s to come when lawmakers convene for a special session in February to address the budget issue. Alford says these kinds of leadership struggles always take place in the months leading up to a session, but this time the mainstream media is paying attention…:

Cut 14 (08) “elected”

The election occurs January 11th. Alford says the House votes on their choice for speaker or they end up with a single candidate, but they have
never gone against the governor’s choice…:

Cut 15  (06) “historic” 

_____________________________________

The 20th ranked LSU Tigers will play Texas Tech in the 10th annual Advocare V-100 Texas Bowl on December 29th in Houston. Coach Les Miles is excited about the bowl invite…

Cut 16  (18)  “for us”

The Red Raiders are ranked second nationally in offense, averaging almost 600 yards per game and 47 points a contest. Miles says it will be a good test for the Tigers defense.

Cut 17 (19) “match-up”

LSU’s players will have this week off as they final exams. The coaches are busy recruiting. Miles was asked if offensive coordinator Cam Cameron would return next season and Miles says he’s not contemplating any changes

Cut 18 (14) “…execute it”

__________________________________________________________

The Saints nearly handed Carolina its first loss of the season, but Panthers quarterback Cam Newton threw five touchdown passes to help the NFC South champs escape the Big Easy with a 41-38 victory. Saints QB Drew Brees threw three touchdown passes in the hard fought defeat…

Cut 19 (15) “that one”

Carolina improved to 12-0 with the win, while the Saints fell to 4-8 as they’ve now lost four straight. With four more games left in the regular season, Brees wants the team to forget about its record….

Cut 20 (21) “playing at”