President Obama is working on the details of a plan to offer two years of free community college education to any American to help train the US workforce. Eric Gill has more…

CUT 1 (30) “reporting”

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

The Baton Rouge Police Department is investigating an accidental shooting which left a man dead and another behind bars. Michelle Southern reports.

CUT 2 (29) “reporting”

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

President Obama is working on the details of a plan to offer two years of free community college education to any American to help train the US workforce. Dr. Monty Sullivan, the head of the Louisiana Community and Technical College System, says it’s exciting that the work of two-year colleges is getting national recognition…

CUT 3 (10)  “very, very positive”

This program is estimated to cost the federal government around $60 billion over 10 years. Details on how this will be funded will be released next month. Sullivan admits that it is a lot of money, but people shouldn’t look at this as another big money expenditure…

CUT 4 (11)  “grow the economy”

The President will promote the initiative in his State of the Union address on January 20th. Initially, this program has received a cool reception from the Republican-controlled Congress. Sullivan says if this can make it through the legislative process, it will be a great opportunity all the way around…

CUT 5 (10)  “of tomorrow”

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

Republican US Senator David Vitter says he plans to be active in Washington D-C, even though he’s running for governor this year. Vitter says he has several priorities and one of them is to pass a highway and transportation bill that would help improve traffic flow on major highways…

CUT 6 (09)  “that issue”

With the average price for a gallon of regular gasoline below two-dollars a gallon, there’s talk in Washington about raising gas taxes to fund highway construction needs. But Vitter says instead of raising taxes, use the additional revenue from increased oil and gas production

CUT 7 (04)  “highway system”

Vitter says he’ll also work to repeal the Affordable Care Act and if Obamacare is not going away, then the federal health care laws should apply to everyone in Washington, meaning even the President would have to purchase his insurance through the Marketplace

CUT 8 (04) “top appointees”

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

The Baton Rouge Police Department is investigating an accidental fatal shooting that occurred as a man was adjusting his pants. Sgt. Mary Ann Godawa says officers responded to the scene and found the victim lying at the end of a driveway, suffering a gunshot wound to his chest. She says cops questioned witnesses and the suspect, 19-year-old Jawan Lloyd Billy…:

CUT 9 (11)  “killed the victim”

Billy is charged with negligent homicide and possession of a stolen firearm. Godawa says the two friends had been sleeping near each other in a garage apartment…:

cut 10 (07)  “handgun went off”

Godawa says there is a valuable lesson here…:

cut 11 (08)  “in the vehicle”

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

The US Supreme Court has rejected a plea to consider striking down Louisiana’s ban on same-sex marriage. Loyola Law Professor Dane Ciolino says this doesn’t mean the issue is dead…

cut 12 (07)  “on the issue”

This decision from the US Supreme Court means the district court ruling upholding Louisiana’s ban on same-sex marriage must first be challenged in a federal appeals court. The 5th Circuit Court of Appeals heard arguments last week on the issue. Ciolino thinks it’s a toss-up on how the 5th Circuit will rule…

cut 13 (06)  “spring, for sure”

He thinks the 5th Circuit will issue a ruling sometime this spring. Circuit Courts have ruled differently on this issue, creating a circuit split on the issue of same-sex marriage. Ciolino thinks the US Supreme Court wants to let the 5th Circuit choose which way it thinks the issue should go…

cut 14 (08)  “the following term”

The Transportation Funding Task Force meets today at the Capitol where they’ll finalize recommendations on improving the way the state funds highway improvements. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 1 (31) “reporting”

______________________________________

The Jindal administration is consdering a 200 to 300 million dollar cut to higher education, but it faces opposition from legislative and university leaders. Scott Carwile has the story…

Cut 2 (31) “reporting”

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Lynne Marino, the highly outspoken mother of serial killer victim Pam Kinamore, discloses that she has pancreatic cancer and hopes to see Derrick Todd Lee executed before she dies. Michelle Southern reports.

Cut 3 (30) “reporting”

______________________________________

The Transportation Funding Task Force meets today at the Capitol where they’ll finalize recommendations on improving the way the state funds highway improvements. There is currently a $12 billion backlog of road and bridge needs in the state. Senate Transportation Committee Chairman, Robert Adley of Benton, says one item is at the top of everyone’s list…

cut 4  (10)  “to be discussed”

He says they’ll work to protect the transportation trust fund from being used for the general operation of the state. With this being Governor Jindal’s final year in office, it is not expected that we’ll see major changes to how the state funds roadway projects. But Adley is hopeful the task force will get behind his plan to ensure the state spends $70 million for roadway preservation…

Cut 5  (12)  “on right now”

He says the state currently spends about $27 million annually on roadway preservation. The panel’s recommendations are due to the Legislature by January 15. Adley says there has been discussion of raising the gas tax to better fund road improvements, but he doesn’t see that happening…

Cut 6 (11)  “at this point”

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House Speaker Chuck Kleckley says he’ll fight any plan that would significantly reduce funding for higher education. A spokeswoman for the  Jindal Administration says a 200 to 300 million dollar cut in funding to higher ed is being considered for the fiscal year budget that starts July 1st. But Kleckley says he’s not having any of it….

CUT 7 (07)  “generations”

The Jindal administration is looking at ways to reduce funding as the result of an anticipated one-point-four billion dollar shortfall. Kleckley says he’ll look at other options, but cutting higher ed when the state needs to bolster its workforce is not the answer…

Cut 8 (06)  “would not support” 

University of Louisiana System President Sandra Woodley is confident that the legislature will make sure a 300-million dollar cut in funding for higher fund will not happen…

Cut 9 (11)  “have now”

______________________________________

Lynne Marino, the highly outspoken mother of serial killer victim Pam Kinamore, discloses that she has pancreatic cancer and hopes to see Derrick Todd Lee executed before she dies. Lee got the death penalty for the murder of Charlotte Murray Pace in 2004 and his case has since been tied up in several appeals. Marino says it’s time for Lee to go…:

Cut 10 (10) “got worse” 

Lee wants a new trial which has been rejected by a Baton Rouge state judge and now heads to the Louisiana Supreme Court -then- if those justices feel the same the case would go to a drawn out post-conviction relief stage. Marino, who is 78, said when she was diagnosed with one of the worst forms of cancer, she had one thought…:

cut 11 (11) “and to my family”

Lee was linked by DNA to the deaths of seven women in the Baton Rouge and Lafayette areas. Marino is calling for legislation whereby when a conviction is based on DNA, someone sentenced to death shouldn’t sit on death row for 25-30 years…:

cut 12 (11)  “took a stand”

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Lt. Governor Jay Dardenne announces plans for a major motion picture set to be filmed exclusively in Louisiana about the Battle of New Orleans. The movie will be called, “Andrew Jackson – The Battle For New Orleans.” Dardenne says the project will be based off the book by Ron Drez “The War of 1812: Conflict and Deception” and will begin filming here soon…:

Cut 13 (12)  “here in Louisiana”

Dardenne says the unpredictable victory at the Battle of New Orleans is made for film as folks love rooting for the underdog. He says that battle shaped the future of America and saved New Orleans and Louisiana as a port to be controlled by the US instead of the British…:

Cut 14 (07)  “look different”

Dardenne says this film will remind the country that America’s success as a nation was solidified 200 years ago in Chalmette. He says the premise of Drez’s book is that the British were committed to the Battle of New Orleans whether or not the treaty had been ratified or war had been won:

Cut 15  (13)  “200th anniversary”

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Concerns are mounting over a US Environmental Protection Agency plan to perform an open tray burn in northwest Louisiana as a way to dispose 15-million pounds of M-6 propellant. Jeff Palermo has more…

CUT 1 (31) “reporting”

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The latest fund raising totals from Republican Public Service Commissioner Scott Angelle shows he is a serious candidate for governor. Eric Gill has more…

CUT 2 (31) “reporting”

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There’s a growing concern in northwest Louisiana over a plan to burn 15-million pounds of M6 propellant in steel trays at Camp Minden. Minden Mayor Tommy Davis says he and other local officials are worried about possible health effects….

CUT 3 (10)  “environmental impact”

The explosive propellant once belonged to Explo Systems, who went bankrupt and the M6 is currently stored in bunkers at Camp Minden.  It is deteriorating and there is concern it could explode if isn’t disposed of soon. But Davis says the “open burn method” might not be the best option….

CUT 4 (06)  “explore that”

The US E-P-A supports opening burning as the disposal method. Davis says Louisiana’s Congressional delegation is putting the pressure on the agency to prove that the open tray burn is safe…

CUT 5 (09)  “to be”

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

The latest fund raising totals from Republican Public Service Commissioner Scott Angelle shows he is a serious candidate for governor. Angelle announced that his campaign has raised over $1.5 million since he announced his candidacy on October 2nd. UL-Lafayette Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says this certainly answers some questions about Angelle’s ability to raise money…

CUT 6 (12)  “to doing that”

Angelle’s campaign reports over $1.4 million in cash on hand. Angelle is one of three Republicans seeking the governorship, along with Senator David Vitter and Lt. Governor Jay Dardenne. Cross says, financially speaking, Angelle appears to have a lot of support within the party despite running against two GOP heavyweights…

CUT 7 (08)  “that alternative”

Cross says the two candidates most affected by this news are Dardenne and Democratic State Representative John Bel Edwards…

CUT 8 (06) “at this point”

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

The Bossier City Police Department says a 25-year-old Shreveport woman is booked with negligent homicide in the death of her son who was killed in a crash she was involved in. Spokesman Mark Natale says Quirtisha Allen was arrested Thursday in connection with the September 2014 incident…:

CUT 9 (10)  “in the crash”

Natale says as a result of a three month investigation, Allen was charged in the incident. He says the cops processing the scene needed to operate with the utmost diligence which is why it took a while before the mother was charged in the death of her 6-year-old son…:

cut 10 (07)  “at the time”

Allen is being held on $45,000 bond. Natale says there were two main factors that resulted in the mother’s arrest…:

cut 11 (08)  “in the vehicle”

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

According to a recent study out of Yale University, cold weather can in fact make you sick. Dr. Fred Lopez is an Infectious Diseases specialist at the LSU New Orleans School of Medicine. He says they are finding validity to the fact that the lower the temperature outside, the more likely a cold virus is going to thrive…:

cut 12 (07)  “colder temperatures”

Lopez says the most common virus which causes a cold replicates and makes more copies of itself at cooler temperatures…:

cut 13 (10)  “colder temperatures”

Lopez says the nasal cavity is where the flu virus will most often enter the body and when that area is cooler then the bug is allowed to grow more effectively. He says staying out of the cold does help…:

cut 14 (08)  “to thrive”

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

The US House overwhelmingly passed the Keystone XL Pipeline bill today. The bill advanced on a 266-153 vote and was one of the first pieces of legislation taken up by the newly sworn-in Republican-controlled Congress. Newly elected 6th District Republican Congressman Garret Graves is glad to see the Keystone bill pass despite the threat of a presidential veto…

cut 15 (07) “have indicated”

This is the 10th vote the house has taken on the controversial pipeline since July 2011. The Senate has enough votes to pass an identical bill and will take a test vote on Monday. Graves thinks having the actual Keystone Pipeline bill in front of him may make the president reconsider vetoing it, considering it has a lot of support…

cut 16 (09) “with Congress”

Today the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals will hear three cases regarding same-sex marriage bans in Louisiana, Texas, and Mississippi. Jeff Palermo reports…

CUT 1 (31) “reporting”

______________________________________

The first bill of what’s expected to be many items dealing with cell phone use while driving has been proposed for the 2015 legislative session. Michelle Southern reports…:

Cut 2 (31) “reporting”

______________________________________

Louisiana public schools receive an overall grade of D-plus from Education Week’s annual report card. Scott Carwile has the story…

Cut 3 (31) “reporting”

______________________________________

Today the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals hears three cases regarding same-sex marriage bans in Louisiana, Texas, and Mississippi. In September, Federal Judge Martin Feldman upheld Louisiana’s ban on same-sex marriage, but the ruling was appealed to the 5th Circuit. Tulane Constitutional Law Professor Keith Werhan says the 5th Circuit is one of the most conservative circuit courts in the nation…

cut 4  (06)  “same-sex marriage”

In November, the 6th Circuit upheld same-sex marriage bans in four states. Werhan says supporters will argue that the state has to have a legitimate reason in denying two adults who want to marry, the right to do so. He says opponents will argue on the strength of state’s rights…

Cut 5  (09)  “their state”

Because the 6th Circuit decision created a circuit split on the issue, the US Supreme Court will privately discuss same-sex marriage cases from several states today, including Louisiana. Werhan says the ultimate decision on same-sex marriage will come from the US Supreme Court, perhaps this year…

Cut 6 (09)  “resolve this issue”

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A state lawmaker from Mandeville is introducing a bill in the upcoming legislative session that would restrict the use of cell phones to “hands-free” only on the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway. Representative Tim Burns says the number of fatal accidents involving vehicles plunging off the side of the bridge has gone from one every 5 years to three a year now…:

CUT 7 (09)  “distracted driving”

Burns supports a statewide ban on hand held cell phone use while driving but lawmakers can never pass such legislation. But he says people who drive the Causeway seem more prone to be on their phones while behind the wheel which is a major problem…:

Cut 8 (11)  “electronic device” 

The bill would require people who drive The Causeway to use wireless technology if they want to talk on the phone. Burns says this is a reasonable request as eyes should remain on roadways…:

Cut 9 (10)  “to their ear”

______________________________________

A grand jury in Calcasieu Parish did not indict a former LSU and NFL player on an attempted second degree murder charge. According to authorities, Tahj Jones was shot by Brandon Winey during an altercation in April of last year. Walt Sanchez is the defense attornery for Winey. He says this case is far more complicated than was originally reported…:

Cut 10 (12) “appropriate resolution” 

The 25-year-old Jones, who went to Sulphur High and played at LSU from 2010-2013, was shot once in the stomach. Winey was arrested on a charge of second degree murder. Sanchez says he’s glad the grand jury agreed that the gun was fired in self defense…:

cut 11 (07) “right result”

Winey, who is 36, played at LSU from 1998-2000 and spent two seasons playing for the Miami Dolphins. Authorities believe Winey arrived at a woman’s apartment while Jones was there and an argument between the two men lead to a fight. Sanchez says Winey is very pleased the grand jury did not send down an indictment…:

cut 12 (05)  “like this”

______________________________________

Louisiana’s public schools receive a grade of D-plus from Education Week as part of their annual report. The state’s public education system is also ranked 44th, up five spots from their previous report. House Education Chairman, Steve Carter of Baton Rouge, says a series of reforms passed in 2012, including one that allows educators who peform well to get paid more, will lead to a better grade in the future…

Cut 13 (09)  “good principal”

Carter says it’s encouraging to see Louisiana move up in the rankings, because historically the bayou state has ranked 48th or 49th when it comes to public education…

Cut 14 (06)  “to accomplish”

Louisiana received a grade of D-Minus for K-through-12 Achievement, but received a grade of B-minus for its early-education programs. Carter says they could do even better with pre-K, if they had more dollars going towards it…

Cut 15  (08)  “these programs”

______________________________________

The freezing temperatures that have descended on the state has strawberry farmers working to minimize the damage the weather could have on their crops. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 1 (30) “reporting”

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

Governor Bobby Jindal announces he’s planned a trip to Europe seeking new foreign trade and investment. Michelle Southern reports…:

CUT 2 (27) “reporting”

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

The freezing temperatures that have descended on the state has strawberry farmers working to minimize the damage the weather could have on their crops. Regina Bracy, with the LSU AgCenter, says sub freezing temps can have disasterous effects on the strawberry harvest. But Bracy adds that strawberry plants can take the cold…

CUT 3 (09)  “a few berries”

Bracy says when temperatures drop into the teens, it’s very difficult to protect the blooms and fruit on strawberry plants. She says if those are lost, it’s not all bad news. She says strawberries will continue to produce more flowers and more fruit. Bracy says consumers may have to adjust their calendar a bit…

CUT 4 (11)  “juicy, ripe berries”

Bracy says the spring harvest may be a little delayed due to damage to the crop from the winter weather. William Fletcher, a strawberry farmer in Ponchatoula, says his crop did sustain some damage from the freezing temperatures but does not think it’s catastrophic…

CUT 5 (09)  “last night”

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

On his continued quest to bring more business to Louisiana, Governor Bobby Jindal announces he’s planned a trip to Europe seeking new foreign trade and investment. Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Stephen Moret says they want to go global in efforts to attract new jobs to Louisiana…:

CUT 6 (10)  “in our state”

Jindal says he has meetings in Germany, the United Kingdom and Switzerland with corporate executives of manufacturing and services industries. He leaves Sunday and will be back January 20th. Moret says all of the companies they’ll be meeting with are considering major projects in Louisiana…:

CUT 7 (08)  “services firms”

Jindal visited Asia last year in January and Moret says the relationships they were able to build there will result in expected additional economic development announcements for Louisiana within the next couple of months. He says more jobs for citizens here has always been a major priority for the Governor’s Administration…:

CUT 8 (10) “in Europe”

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

It was a cold morning across Louisiana. Phil Grigsby, with the National Weather Service in New Orleans, says the low temperature in Baton Rouge and Slidell tied a record of 20-degrees…

CUT 9 (09)  “interesting thing”

Grigsby says it will be a cold afternoon and night, with wind chill readings in the low 30s…

cut 10 (08)  “mid 20s”

_________________________________________________________

The search for a new LSU defensive coordinator doesn’t appear to be going so well. Coach Les Miles has reportedly interviewed or spoke with several candidates, but a front-runner has yet to emerge. LSU beat reporter for Gannett Newspapers, Glen Guilbeau, says Miles may have to promote defensive line coach Brick Haley to replace the departed John Chavis

cut 11 (07)  “look good”

Alabama linebackers coach Kevin Steele and Oregon defensive coordinator Don Pellum are other names that have been mentioned as possible candidates. Guilbeau says it’s concerning a high-profile candidate hasn’t emerged

cut 12 (09)  “at the moment”

Penn State defensive coordinator Bob Shoop reportedly interviewed, but decided to remain with the Nittany Lions. Guilbeau says Shoop was the best candidate out there named so far

cut 13 (08)  “Coach Chavis”

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

The Thibodaux Police Department says a man is under arrest after cops say he stole a vehicle then told officers his phone made him do it. Spokesman David Melancon says shortly after they got the report of a stolen vehicle, they were able to locate it with 46-year-old Lionel Adams Jr of Thibodaux behind the wheel…:

cut 14 (11)  “that was his vehicle”

Melancon says after further questioning, Adams ended up admitting that he knew the car was not his…:(Adams was booked into the Lafourche Parish Detention Cenfor for theft of a motor vehicle, DWI and remaining after being forbidden.)

cut 15 (09) “no one was injured”

Festivities begin today to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the Battle of New Orleans. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 1 (28) “reporting”

______________________________________

It’s a very frosty start to the morning. Scott Carwile has more…

Cut 2 (27) “reporting”

______________________________________

If you’d like to try to save money on your homeowners and auto insurance, the Department of Insurance has enhanced its online tool to help consumers find a better rate. Michelle Southern reports…:

Cut 3 (31) “reporting”

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Festivities begin today to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the Battle of New Orleans. As part of the War of 1812, the battle culminated in a US victory over the British in Chalmette on January 8, 1815. Lt. Governor Jay Dardenne says this was one of the most important battles fought on American soil…

cut 4  (11)  “moment in history”

Dardenne says this victory enabled America to continue to expand westward and cemented Louisiana’s role as part of the United States. He says special events will last throughout the weekend. Dardenne says today’s festivities include a concert by the Marine band in Jackson Square at 7PM…

Cut 5  (07)  “commemorate the battle”

Dardenne says this battle marked the end to hostilities between the US and Great Britain and the British Ambassador to the United States will be on hand to commemorate the event. Dardenne says the weekend will include battle reenactments…

Cut 6 (09)  “in Chalmette”

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We’re seeing temperatures in the teens for the northern half of the state and it’s not much warmer along the coast. State Climatologist Barry Keim says be prepared for what will be a cold day

CUT 7 (05)  “acting up again”

It was unusually cold in Louisiana last January and Keim says we are experiencing another polar vortex…

Cut 8 (12)  “Gulf coast” 

Keim says not only is the air temperature colder than normal, but we are also seeing some bone chilling wind chill readings…

Cut 9 (10)  “wind chill temperatures”

______________________________________

The former star of the now-cancelled reality TV series Sons of Guns is set to be arraigned in Baton Rouge today. 49-year-old Will Hayden of Greenwell Springs is accused of raping two preteen girls more that 20 years apart. Legal analyst Tim Meche says Hayden will likely plea not guilty…:

Cut 10 (12) “for the case” 

In East Baton Rouge Hayden allegedly raped an 11-year-old girl sometime between March 2013 and August 2014 then again when she was 12. His oldest daughter appeared on the Dr. Phil show and said she was raped by the suspect 20 years ago. Meche says this case will be largely based on what physical evidence is presented…:

cut 11 (06) “cases”

Hayden also faces rape charges in Livingston Parish. Meche says the fact that this case apparently involves minors and family members will mean a lot will be learned about the dynamic of those relationships…:

cut 12 (07)  “like this”

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If you’d like to try to save money on your homeowners and auto insurance, the Department of Insurance has enhanced its online tool to help consumers find a better rate. Commissioner Jim Donelon says you can enter specific information about you into the new website like your age, or how many miles you drive and other things that set rates for insurance…:

Cut 13 (09)  “in their marketplace”

Donelon says among the features of the new website are streamlined online services and a responsive design that makes it compatible with mobile devices. He says Louisiana has done better than any state in the nation at replacing large insurance companies, with smaller regional carriers…:(The “Shop Your Rates” guides can be accessed at ldi.la.gov.)

Cut 14 (12)  “substantial dollars”

Donelon says policy holders should keep in mind that the scenarios presented in the comparisons are for illustrative purposes and are not designed to match any individuals exact circumstances. He says there is substantial savings to be had by shopping around and comparing companies and rates…:

Cut 15  (09)  “they are backed up”

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The LSU men’s basketball team begins conference play tonight as they visit the Missouri Tigers in a game that will tip-off at 6 P-M. The Bayou Bengals enter league play with an 11-and-2 record and eight-game winning streak. But Coach Johnny Jones says a whole new season begins tonight…

Cut 16  (15)  “everything changes”  

LSU is led by sophomores Jarell Martin and Jordan Mickey, who aare averaging 18 points and 16 points a game respectively. Jones also likes how sophomore guard Tim Quarterman is playing…

Cut 17 (11)  “fun part”

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The Ragin Cajuns are 3-and-0 in the Sun Belt, the only team in the league with an undefeated conference record. But tonight U-L Lafayette hosts defending Sun Belt regular season champion and this year’s preseason favorite, Georgia State. Cajuns Coach Bob Marlin says turnovers will be a key stat to watch….

Cut 18 (17) “certainly help’

Both teams are 9-and-5 overall and Georgia State is led by Ryan Harrow, who is averaging 20 points a game. Marlin says for the fans that make it out to the Cajundome, they’ll see two good teams going at it

Cut 19 (22)   “some success”

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The top two preseason favorites in Conference USA, Louisiana Tech and UTEP, meet in El Paso tonight at 8 P-M. The Bulldogs are 10-and-4 on the season and Coach Michael White is hoping for a big game out of Raheem Appleby, who is averaging 17 points a game

Cut 20 (20)  “our league”

The State Department of Transportation has announced a project that will widen a portion of Interstate 10 between Lafayette and St. Martin Parishes. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 1 (30) “reporting”

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

Get ready to bundle up as the coldest air of the winter arrives in Louisiana. Jeff Palermo has the story…

CUT 2 (30) “reporting”

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

Tomorrow morning we’ll see the coldest temperatures of the winter as low temperatures will dip into the teens in north Louisiana and low 20s in south Louisiana. The cold weather means a greater risk of fires as people try to keep their homes warm. State Fire Marshal Butch Browning says use today to make sure your detectors work

CUT 3 (09)  “retail outlet”

Browning says unfortunately the cold weather brings an increase in home fires. He says many people use space heaters, if that’s the case give them space and there are other things you can do…

CUT 4 (10)  “your home”

Browning says do not use your stove or stove top as a way to heat your home…

CUT 5 (10)  “for that”

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

The State Department of Transportation announces a plan to widen a portion of Interstate 10 between Lafayette and St. Martin Parishes. DOTD spokesperson Diedra Druilhet says construction will take place where I-10 meets I-49 all the way to Breaux Bridge. She says the estimated cost of this project will be in the neighborhood of $125 million…

CUT 6 (07)  “the project done”

They anticipate the two year project will begin in the fall of 2016. The public comment period for this project is open and citizens have until January 17th to address their concerns. Druilhet says their plan should not impact traffic very much on this busy roadway…

CUT 7 (10)  “existing median”

Druihlet says the project will also include putting in new pavement on the existing roadway. She says this is the first of three projects that will widen or improve I-10 from Lafayette to the Atchafalaya Basin…

CUT 8 (11) “for that area”

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

Media reports indicate that Saints defensive coordinator, Rob Ryan, will remain with the team next season. The Black & Gold defense ranked 31st in the NFL in yards allowed this season during a disappointing 7-9 season. Saints radio color analyst Hokie Gajan believes Ryan deserves a third year at the helm…

CUT 9 (08)  “number four defense”

In Ryan’s first year as Saints defensive coordinator, the team ranked fourth in the NFL in yards allowed. NFL analyst Mike Detillier says he’s not surprised that the Saints held on to Ryan…

cut 10 (10)  “have the players”

Ryan had recently said that this was his worst season in his 10 years as an NFL defensive coordinator. Detillier says the teams defensive problems are more of a personnel issue than a coaching one. He says the Saints need to use this offseason getting quality players to shore up their defense…

cut 11 (07)  “defensive coordinators”

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

The Kaplan Police Department says an Abbeville High School teacher is in jail accused of having sex with one of his female juvenile students. Chief Boyd Adams says they originally received the complaint about 36-year-old Nicholas Willis from Abbeville Police…:

cut 12 (05)  “Abbeville High”

According to the Vermilion Parish School System website, Willis taught physical science and chemistry at Abbeville High. Adams says cops learned the alleged incident occurred in Kaplan where the suspect lived…:

cut 13 (09)  “arrested Mr. Willis”

Adams says Willis is accused of engaging in sexual relations with the juvenile which is a felony…:(Willis is charged with felony carnal knowledge of a juvenile and is being held on a $200,000 bond.)

cut 14 (04)  “$200,000”

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

According to 24/7 Wall Street, Louisiana is the 5th most dangerous state in the USA. Michelle Southern reports…:

CUT 1 (30) “reporting”

______________________________________

The premiere of Duck Dynasty Season 7 is tonight at 8:30 on A&E and some experts are saying the show could be losing its luster. Michelle Southern reports.

Cut 2 (33) “reporting”

___________________________________

After getting sworn in yesterday, Republican Senator Bill Cassidy gets down to work today in the G-O-P controlled Senate. Scott Carwile has the story….

Cut 3 (29) “reporting”

________________________

According to 24/7 Wall Street, Louisiana is the 5th most dangerous state in the USA. The report indicates more dangerous than Louisiana are Alaska, New Mexico, Nevada and Tennessee. LSU Criminologist Edward Shihadeh (Sheh-Ha-Dah) says Louisiana has always ranked high nationally on crime…:

cut 4  (07)  “and crime”

The report also says Louisiana ranks 3rd highest in poverty rate and only 83% of people here have a high school diploma which is the 4th lowest. Shihadeh says lack of education and crime go hand in hand which is a well known finding. He says it’s important to remember that the crime rate is improving in Louisiana but it’s also coming down in other states…:

Cut 5  (09)  “relative to other states”

Shihadeh says poor socioeconomic factors likely contribute to higher crime rates in Louisiana. He says New Orleans and Baton Rouge have had a lot of success going after gang violence…:

Cut 6 (12)  “violent activity”

___________________________________________________

The premiere of Duck Dynasty Season 7 is tonight at 8:30 on A&E and some experts are saying the show is losing its luster. Emily Yahr covers pop culture and entertainment for The Washington Post. She says it’s not unusual for reality show ratings to drop, but the Robertson family has seen a major decrease in numbers…:

CUT 7 (13)  “to watch that”

Yahr says one of the reasons could be that Duck Dynasty viewers are getting the vibe that the family is more concerned with their side projects launched since their rise to fame. But she doesn’t think this is the end as 3 million people tuning in is a really great number for cable and it’s probably the best thing A&E has going on right now…:

Cut 8 (07)  “a little longer” 

Some attribute the growing lack of interest in Duck Dynasty deals with the controversial statements made by family patriarch Phil Robertson, but Yahr thinks the hilarious “wow factor” of how the family interacts with each other is wearing off…:

Cut 9 (10)  “how much you like people”

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A new republican controlled Congress is already battling with President Barack Obama over the much-delayed Keystone XL oil pipeline. The White House has issued a veto threat, if lawmakers approve the Canada-to-Texas pipeline. Newly elected republican senator Bill Cassidy doesn’t understand the opposition to the five-point-four billion dollar project

Cut 10 (10) “hate us” 

The House could approve a bill that green lights the project by the end of the week and a Senate could happen soon after. 60 members of the Senate support construction of the Keytone, including six Democrats, but Cassidy is concerned that won’t be enough to over turn a Presidential veto…

cut 11 (08) “too bad”

Cassidy says another bill he hopes gets to the President’s desk is legislation that would increase the revenue Louisiana would receive from royalities from drilling in the outer continental shelf and that money would go towards coastal restoration….

cut 12 (10)  “the Senate”

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The Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness is asking residents to please be aware of the artic weather that is currently moving through the state. The National Weather Service says the cold blast began impacting Louisiana overnight and a hard freeze is expected at sundown through Thursday morning. GOHSEP Director Kevin Davis…:

Cut 13 (09)  “exposed pipes”

Davis says they are encouraging folks to monitor local media for any possible additional watches and warnings for your region. He says protect pets, plants and pipes and if you plan to use space heaters…:

Cut 14 (07)  “fire started”

Davis says while no major impacts are expected from the freezing conditions, the state will be ready to address any potential problems…:

Cut 15  (08)  “right away”

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Saints General Manager Mickey Loomis is not ready to comment on whether defensive coordinator Rob Ryan will return next season. Loomis says they are still in the process of evaluating the entire organization….

Cut 16  (19)  “to be adjusted”  

There have been reports the Saints will have trouble improving their roster, because of salary cap limitations. But in a 30-minute meeting with reporters, Loomis downplayed those concerns

Cut 17 (16)  “salary cap”

Some fans have blamed the team’s training camp location as one of the reasons why the Black and Gold finished a seven and nine record. Some Who Dats believe the environment didn’t get the team ready, but Loomis says the plan is to return to Greenbrier, West Virginia

Cut 18 (19) “part of the solution’

New 5th District Congressman, Republican Ralph Abraham of Alto, was sworn in on Capitol Hill today. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 1 (28) “reporting”

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Hard freeze warnings have already been posted for portions of south and northeast Louisiana in anticipation of the arctic cold that will move into the state tomorrow. Eric Gill has more…

CUT 2 (28) “reporting”

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New 5th District Congressman, Republican Ralph Abraham of Alto, was sworn in on Capitol Hill today. Abraham will be taking over the seat previously occupied by Vance McAllister. The new congressman says he’s very excited to serve the 5th District…

CUT 3 (09)  “our constituents”

Abraham says the new Republican controlled Congress will get to work rather quickly and you can expect to see votes occur this week. He says they will address the immigration problem and the export ban on Liquefied Natural Gas. Abraham says one of the first items they will address will be the Keystone XL Pipeline…

CUT 4 (06)  “do with it”

(The White House said today that the President would veto Keystone XL pipeline legislation if it passes.)

Abraham says the Keystone XL Pipeline will provide jobs that would be great for the state. He says this Congress will pass laws that were not passed in the last congressional session and send them to the President for acceptance or veto. Abraham is optimistic that the GOP controlled Senate will be able override a presidential veto…

CUT 5 (12)  “of these vetoes”

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The Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office says the town clerk in Forest Hill has been arrested on multiple counts of forgery, malfeasance in office, and more. Lt. Tommy Carnline says their investigation began when town officials discovered some discrepancies in their fine collections…

CUT 6 (09)  “Trista Goleman”

31-year-old Trista Goleman had allegedly been cashing money orders that were being sent to the town for fine payments. Carnline says Goleman was booked into the Rapides Parish Detention Center….

CUT 7 (12) “are felonies”

Goleman faces 17 felony counts each of forgery, malfeasance in office, injuring public records and filing false public records. Carnline says the final amount of the money orders Goleman is accused of cashing has not been determined as the investigation is ongoing. He says it appears the clerk was working alone in this incident…

CUT 8 (06) “this one clerk”

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A Baton Rouge TV station reports Ohio State Quarterback and two-time Big 10 MVP Braxton Miller is considering transferring to LSU. A shoulder injury  kept Miller from playing this season and two younger QBs passed him up on the Buckeye depth chart. Bayou Bengals Insider publisher Derek Ponamsky says it’s not a surprise to hear Miller might be interested in LSU…

CUT 9 (10)  “talk about”

Notre Dame Quarterback Everett Golson’s name has also been rumored as a possible transfer candidate to LSU. Both players would be eligible to play in 2015, but Ponamsky says LSU can’t talk to Miller or Golson until their respective schools grant them a release from their athletic scholarships

CUT 10 (12)  “gonna be mentioned”

Ponamsky says after below average play from the quarterback position this past season, there’s a good chance LSU will bring a veteran in, who can play right away….

cut 11 (7)  “a goal”

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Hard freeze warnings have already been posted for portions of south and northeast Louisiana in anticipation of the arctic cold that will move into the state tomorrow. Mike Marcotte, with the National Weather Service in Lake Charles, says this massive arctic front will bring the coldest temperatures seen this season. He says lows Thursday morning in central Louisiana could be in the upper teens…

cut 12 (08)  “20 to 25”

Marcotte says Thursday morning lows will be below freezing for a majority of the state with some areas seeing lows in the teens. He says although it will be cold across the state, he doesn’t expect any record low temperatures to be set with this arctic front…

cut 13 (06)  “stay in place”

Marcotte says Friday morning lows will remain at freezing or below for a majority of the Bayou State. He says the weekend will see morning temps rise above freezing, but it will be on the cool side. Marcotte says, as this arctic front approaches, remember “the three p’s”…

cut 14 (12)  “would be great”

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According to the Des Moines Register, Governor Bobby Jindal is scheduled to have two closed door meetings with conservative religious leaders in Iowa today. Scott Carwile reports…

CUT 1 (30) “reporting”

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King Cake season is officially underway on this Twelfth Night and it’ll be a short one with Mardi Gras falling so early this year on February 17th. Michelle Southern reports.

Cut 2 (29) “reporting”

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Angola Warden Burl Cain says he has not taken any steps to install a cooling system on death row despite a federal judge’s ruling to reduce the heat levels. Michelle Southern reports.

Cut 3 (28) “reporting”

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Today, Governor Bobby Jindal is scheduled to have two closed door meetings with conservative religious leaders in Iowa. According to the Des Moines Register, the meetings will take place in Cedar Rapids and Des Moines. ULM Political Science Professor Joshua Stockley says Jindal is looking to shore up his support among this group of voters…

cut 4  (08)  “presidential nomination”

Jindal is thinking about a presidential run in 2016 and Iowa is important because they host the first primary. Stockley adds that evangelicals and conservatives are also important because of their participation in the primary. He says these meetings are very important to Jindal’s hopes…

Cut 5  (11)  “financial backing”

Stockley says these are important meetings to determine how serious of a presidential hopeful Jindal can be. He calls this part of the process the “invisible primary”, where candidates try to win endorsements and backing before the actual contests. He says this will have an important impact on Jindal’s decision to run, or not to run, for president…

Cut 6 (11)  “invisible primary”

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King Cake season is officially underway on this Twelfth Night and it’ll be a short one with Mardi Gras falling so early this year on February 17th.  Gambino’s Bakery owner Sam Scelfo says the bulk of the pastry cakes they sell go two weeks before Mardi Gras no matter what day it falls in the year.:

CUT 7 (10)  “we’re excited about it”

Scelfo says they’ve been selling a bunch of King Cakes so far already this year but they expect to be extremely busy today. He says they typically sell between 70,000-75,000 King Cakes in any given season. Scelfo offers almost 70 different flavors…:

Cut 8 (07)  “as we can” 

There’s a story in The Wall Street Journal saying King Cakes no longer come with the baby inside due to a concern over lawsuits. But Scelfo says they are traditionalists and leave the baby in the cake but leave plenty of indicators letting people know it’s in there…:

Cut 9 (10)  “one before”

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Doctor Bill Cassidy will be sworn in as a US Senator today giving Louisiana two republicans in the US Senate. What will that mean for the Bayou State? U-L Lafayette Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says Louisiana will have a unified voice on issues that the Senate debates

Cut 10 (10) “other issues” 

Cross says Louisiana loses clout in the US Senate, with Cassidy replacing three-term democratic Senator Mary Landrieu. But he says the state can make up for it by having Cassidy and Senior Senator David Vitter working together in a republican controlled Senate…

cut 11 (11) “might seem”

Cross anticipates since Cassidy has a medical background, he’ll find some issues that he can be an expert on…

cut 12 (12)  “quite heavily”

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Angola Warden Burl Cain says he has not taken any steps to install a cooling system on death row. A federal judge has ruled that the state needs to take more measures to cool off death row during the hot summer months. The ruling is currently under appeal. Cain says it would be too expensive to add any type of cooling system at the prison…:

Cut 13 (07)  “I can’t afford it”

Cain says they couldn’t just reduce the heat levels on death row, it would have to be the entire prison…:

Cut 14 (10)  “another prison”

Cain says he’s not aware of any other prison being facing legal action for having extreme hot conditions but Angola seems to be popular place to sue. He says death row was built in 2005 and has a natural ventilation system so it’s not even the hottest part of the prison…:

Cut 15  (09)  “it’s hot”

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Louisiana Tech has lost its defensive coordinator. Manny Diaz has been hired by Mississippi State to be the Bulldogs new defensive coordinator. Diaz helped Tech win the Conference USA western division title and his defense was ranked 22nd in the nation in points allowed and 17th in rush defense. Jonathan Ford, publisher of Bleed Tech Blue, says Diaz gave the Bulldogs’ defense an identity

Cut 16  (13)  “find another one”  

While Tech loses a defensive coordinator, they add a quarterback. Jeff Driskel, who threw for 34-hundred yards at Florida, is transferring to Tech for his final year of college eligibility. The fifth-year senior is allowed to play in 2015 for the Bulldogs. Ford says Driskel didn’t perform as well as expected at Gainesville, but he’ll bring some much needed experience to the quarterback position in Ruston…

Cut 17 (14)  “FBS level”

Tech needs to replace fifth-year senior quarterback Cody Sokul, who led the Bulldogs to a victory in the Heart of Dallas Bowl. Ford says Driskel is your likely starter in 2015 and could have a lot of success…

Cut 18 (14) “that stature”