Republican lawmakers are looking to move past the controversy surrounding the number three House GOP leader, Republican Congressman Steve Scalise, over a speech he gave 12 years ago to a white supremacist group. Eric Gill has more…

CUT 1 (28) “reporting”

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

The Kenner Police Department confirms New Orleans Saints outside linebacker Junior Galette is under arrest and booked with domestic abuse battery. Michelle Southern reports…:

CUT 2 (30) “reporting”

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Republican lawmakers are looking to move past the controversy surrounding the number three House GOP leader, Republican Congressman Steve Scalise, over a speech he gave 12 years ago to a white supremacist group. Incoming Utah Representative Mia Love is the first black female Republican elected to the House. She told ABC’s “This Week” that Scalice has the support of the party…

CUT 3 (09)  “of his colleagues”

Scalise has stated that the speech was a mistake that he now regrets. Republican leaders, including House Speaker John Boehner, have backed Scalise. Love says Scalise should remain House Majority Whip…

CUT 4 (11)  “American people done”

Republican Senator John Barrasso of Wyoming spoke on the issue on NBC’s “Meet the Press”. He said speaking to that group was a “grave mistake” for Scalise, but that doesn’t mean Scalise supports the views of that group…

CUT 5 (11)  “stick with that”

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

State Police arrest a Breaux Bridge man for his role in a two-vehicle accident in St. Martin Parish that claimed the life of a 56-year-old woman last week. Master Trooper Brooks David says a truck, driven by 30-year-old Emmanuel Wiltz, crossed the center line of LA 328 in the path of a car driven by Betty Borel…

CUT 6 (08)  “of the crash”

He says Wiltz, who was suspected of being impaired at the time of the crash, received minor injuries as a result of the crash. David says Borel sustained what was believed to be moderate injuries and transported to a local hospital…

CUT 7 (07) “from the crash”

Several hours later, State Police were informed that Borel had succumbed to her injuries. David says Wiltz was originally charged with DWI, vehicular negligent injuring, and other charges. He says affter Borel’s death, authorities obtained an arrest warrant with upgraded charges… (Wiltz now also faces vehicular homicide and driving left of center charges.)

CUT 8 (05) “in the beginning”

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

Alexandria Police say a man is behind bars for pulling the trigger in a fatal shooting that investigators are calling an accident. Lt. Brooks Fairbanks says 29-year-old Kendall Smith is charged with negligent homicide. He says they responded to a report of a shooting and located another 29-year-old male victim suffering from a gunshot wound…:

CUT 9 (05)  “pronounced deceased”

Fairbanks says an investigation revealed some individuals were playing with a weapon before the incident took place…:

CUT 10 (09)  “negligent homicide”

Fairbanks says this is a horrible tragedy that is completely avoidable where a young member of the community lost his life due to friends or family members recklessly handling a gun…:

cut 11 (12)  “not toys”

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

The Kenner Police Department confirms New Orleans Saints outside linebacker Junior Galette is under arrest and booked with domestic abuse battery. They say the incident involved a female acquaintance who sustained injuries including blood coming out of her ear when her earring was apparently ripped out. Lt. Brian McGregor read the victim’s statement:

cut 12 (06)  “I couldn’t breathe”

The 26-year-old linebacker told cops that the woman was a dancer he brought home for the night, but the victim claims she was Galette’s assistant who had been staying with him for about two years. Also arrested was Gallett’s cousin, 27-year-old Terrance Banks of Newark, New Jersey. McGregor said in the victim’s statement she claimed both suspects were on top of her and she could not breathe…:

cut 13 (12)  “jump me again”

The woman told cops the argument started over money for a cab. She claimed both men jumped her so she grabbed a knife. McGregor read the victim’s statement..:

cut 14 (06)  “10”

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

It’s an election year in Louisiana and Angola Warden Burl Cain’s name has come up as a possible candidate for governor. Cain was in Baton Rouge today and says he’s still thinking about running for the highest elected position in the state…

cut 15 (09) ” old Burl”

Cain has served as the Warden of the Louisiana State Penitentiary since 1995. He says the idea of him running for governor came from people who have visited the prison. Cain says he’s a civil servant and he’ll have to resign, if he runs, so he doesn’t want to talk about the topic

cut 16 (10) “to be”

The Department of Health and Hospitals is urging businesses to strengthen wellness at the office. Emelie Gunn has the story…

CUT 1 (30) “reporting”

______________________________________

According to GasBuddy.com, it’s possible we’re getting close to the bottom of the dramatic drop in the price we pay at the pump. Michelle Southern reports…:

Cut 2 (30) “reporting”

____________________________________

A new Congress will be sworn in tomorrow, which means Mary Landrieu’s 18-year run as a US Senator has ended. Scott Carwile has the story…

Cut 3 (28) “reporting”

________________________

The state department of health and hospitals is encouraging businesses to come up with programs or policies at the workplace that would encourage employees to live a healthy lifestyle. D-H-H Well-Ahead Director Melissa Martin says we are at the workplace more frequently than anywhere else.

cut 4  (08)  “wellness programs”

Martin says the most important initiative is to offer a tobacco free environment. She says the state offers many cessation coaching programs for the workplace.

Cut 5  (09)  “many diseases”

Martin says providing two or three healthier cafeteria options can help improve employee wellness. And She says healthier snacks during meetings can actually provide a more productive workforce. (Martin says for ideas you can go to wellaheadla.com)

Cut 6 (12)  “for sweets”

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According to GasBuddy.com, it’s possible we’re at the bottom of the dramatic drop in the price we pay at the pump. Senior Petroleum Analyst Gregg Laskoski says their current statewide average for a gallon of regular in Louisiana is around $2.10 and crude oil prices will likely not drop much lower…:

CUT 7 (10)  “that point”

Laskoski says if gas prices are at their lowest point right now it wouldn’t be much of a surprise because that’s typically what happens in January…:

Cut 8 (05)  “gasoline” 

Laskoski says if gas prices do start to drop again it won’t be by much because this is the month refineries have to make the switch from the winter blend to the summer blend of gasoline. He says we’re still paying far less than we were in January 2014…:

Cut 9 (07)  “a year ago”

________________________________________

With a new Congress set to swear-in tomorrow that puts a wrap on Mary Landrieu’s last day as a U-S Senator. Landrieu has served Louisiana in the Senate the last 18 years and LSU Political Science Professor Robert Hogan says she’ll be remembered for her work to bring federal resources to the Bayou State…

Cut 10 (11) “Katrina” 

In 2006, Landrieu co-authored a piece of legislation that expanded oil and gas production in the Gulf of Mexico and it also steered billions of dollars in revenues produced offshore to Louisiana to help fund the state’s coastal restoration efforts. Hogan says Landrieu fought for the state

cut 11 (10) “available”

Landrieu has not said what she’ll do next. Hogan says Landrieu’s middle of the road approach to politics could result in her making a lot of money as a lobbyist or she could become an outspoken advocate on issues dealing with children or the poor

cut 12 (08)  “those issues”

_____________________________________

A cold week is on tap for Louisiana as artic air makes it way into the Bayou State. Tim Humphrey, with the National Weather Service in Lake Charles, says high temperatures will only be in the 40s for north Louisiana today and 50s in south Louisiana and even more colder air will arrive Wednesday

Cut 13 (12)  “freeze likely”

Humphrey says a high pressure area currently located in Canada will bring us the cold air…

Cut 14 (12)  “for us”

Humphrey says the cold air mass heading down from Canada will be dry, so you won’t have to worry about any winter precipitation

Cut 15  (07)  “especially cold”

____________________________________

After missing 21 games with a shoulder injury, Pelicans shooting guard Eric Gordon may play tonight when New Orleans hosts the Washington Wizards. Gordon, who is averaging almost 10 points a game, went through practice yesterday and believes there’s a chance he can play tonight

Cut 16  (12)  “still uncertain”  

The Pelicans are 17-and-16 on the season, one game back of Phoenix for the final playoff spot in the Western Conference. Pelicans guard Jrue Holiday says it will be a big boost to get Gordon back…

Cut 17 (20)  “helps everybody out”

Head Coach Monty Williams expects Gordon will provide a jolt to the team…

Cut 18 (12) “been missing”

There are some new state laws that are on the books with the start of a new year. Don Molino tells us about a few of them…

CUT 1 (27) “reporting”

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

Louisiana native Donna Douglas, famously known as Elly Mae Clampett on The Beverly Hillbillies, died at the age of 81 on New Years Day. Michelle Southern reports…:

CUT 2 (31) “reporting”

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Just over 20 new state laws went into effect with the start of the new year. That includes changes to Louisiana’s D-W-I laws. Jefferson Parish assistant district attorney Norma Broussard, says the changes will make it easier for everyone to understand the penalties of driving under the influence

CUT 3 (06)  “what’s gonna happen”

Broussard says another change is that judges can now take certain measures to provide substance abuse help for those convicted of their first or second D-W-I…

CUT 4 (09)  “third or fourth offenders”

Broussard says the state’s revised D-W-I laws also calls for jail time for first time offenders, who are under the age of 21…

CUT 5 (10)  “three month sentence”

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

Louisiana native Donna Douglas, famously known as Elly Mae Clampett on The Beverly Hillbillies, died at the age of 81 on New Years Day. She was born in Pride at and lived in Zachary in East Baton Rouge Parish. Douglas appeared on the Jim Engster show in May of 2013 and says she never considered not coming back to Louisiana…:

CUT 6 (11)  “Louisiana was home”

Douglas was an author of works including the cookbook, Southern Favorites With a Taste of Hollywood. She was a “Miss Baton Rouge” and was named “Miss New Orleans” in 1957. On the Jim Engster Show in May of 2013 Douglas said she’d never planned to be an actress…:

CUT 7 (09) “up there”

The CBS television series aired from 1962 to 1971 and Douglas starred on the program for all nine seasons. The Beverly Hillbillies became the number one show in the United States in its first two years. Douglas was famous for closing out the show with a whistle and her signature line, “Y’all come back now, here!” — which is how she signed off on the Jim Engster show in May 2013…:

CUT 8 (08) “a year ago”

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

Louisiana has been experiencing some mild temperatures so far this winter which is good news for the crawfish season. LSU Ag Center Aquaculture specialist Dr. Greg Lutz says warmer weather allows the mudbugs to grow faster during the winter months…:

CUT 9 (05)  “a little bit”

Lutz says this also means the harvest will begin sooner than it normally would which is welcome by growers because we didn’t have a lot of rain during the fall…:

CUT 10 (09)  “into the ponds”

Lutz says the supply of crawfish right now is fair and it should be getting bigger toward the end of the month. He says mudbug lovers like when the season starts early…:

cut 11 (12)  “our producers”

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

LSU fans are wondering who the Tigers will get to coach up the defense, now that John Chavis is in Texas as A-and-M’s defensive coordinator. Football insider Mike Detillier says it shouldn’t be hard to find a good replacement as many NFL and college football assistants will seek out the coaching vacancy at LSU

cut 12 (12)  “coveted job”

Detillier says the names he’s keeping an eye on to replace “Chief” are former USC defensive coordiantor Clancy Pendergast, Alabama linebackers coach Kevin Steele, Clemson defensive coordinator Brent Venables and Penn State defensive coordinator Bob Shoop. And he believes these individuals would be interested if Miles contacted them

cut 13 (12)  “college football”

Louisiana native and former Ole Miss head coach Ed Orgeron says he’s would be interested in joining LSU’s staff, if contacted by Miles. Detillier says Coach “O” has always had a great interest in working at LSU

cut 14 (06)  “type titles”

2015 promises to be another interesting year in Louisiana politics. Jeff Palermo has the story…

CUT 1 (32) “reporting”

______________________________________

Louisiana’s Economic Development Secretary Stephen Moret is anticipating significant job growth in 2015. Scott Carwile has more…

Cut 2 (27) “reporting”

____________________________________

If your New Years resolution is to live a healthier lifestyle, here are some tips. Emelie Gunn has more….

Cut 3 (29) “reporting”

________________________

With statewide elections taking place this year and the possibility of Governor Bobby Jindal announcing a run for President, 2015, expects to be another wild year in Louisiana politics. Political Analyst Bernie Pinsonat says Republican US Senator David Vitter is the front-runner in the governor’s race, but there are other strong candidates…

cut 4  (12)  “uncertainty”

Pinsonat says we can expect an announcement early this year from Jindal on running for President. He says the governor may have to announce his intentions sooner than originally planned, because of former Florida Governor Jeb Bush’s entrance into the race…

Cut 5  (06)  “too far ahead”

Pinsonat says it’s unclear how involved Jindal will be with state matters in his final year of office, especially if he’s focused on the 2016 Presidential race…

Cut 6 (08)  “the budget”

___________________________________________________

Louisiana’s Economic Development Secretary Stephen Moret anticipates significant growth in 2015 as a result of the new projects they announced last year. Moret says a lot of that growth will occur in the high tech and the software development industry…

CUT 7 (04)  “in Louisiana”

Moret says in 2014, Louisiana announced dozens of company expansions or relocations, which will result in 25-thousand new jobs…

Cut 8 (10)  “nice growth” 

Moret says the economic growth this year and in the coming years will be diversified growth, which has his office exicted…

Cut 9 (11)  “today”

________________________________________

Three people were killed in a New Year’s eve crash in Livingston Parish, including an 11-year-old girl. State Police trooper Jared Sandifer says alcohol is not suspected in the two-vehicle wreck that happened around 8:15 on Wednesday night near Walker…

Cut 10 (11) “another one” 

The 11-year-old girl that died in the crash has been identified as Hannah Chisholm of Denham Springs. Sandifer says she was in the rear middle seat, wearing a seatbelt, but the vehicle was equipped with a lap belt only

cut 11 (10) “option”

Hannah’s mother, 37-year-old Shannon Chisholm was also killed in the crash. Sandifer says 24-year-old Trinity Kiger of Satsuma also died from his injuries. He says Kiger was the one who hit the Chisholm’s 2000 Mercury Mountaineer

cut 12 (05)  “seatbelt”

_____________________________________

With a New Year underway, many people strive to live a healthier lifestyle and try to lose weight. Melissa Martin with the State Department of Health and Hospitals says in order to keep your New Years resolution you can start with keeping it simple and realistic.

Cut 13 (12)  “and convenient”

Martin says having a support system to keep you motivated while working toward your goals. She says also smart phones have new food journal apps that can help you stay accountable and aware of the decisions you make…

Cut 14 (11)  “back burner”

Martin says drinking water is very important to staying on track because the number one symptom of dehydration is hunger. She says also watching your alcohol consumption can really make a difference when it comes to following through with your resolutions.

Cut 15  (11)  “intake”

____________________________________

The Centers for Disease Control says the flu has now reached the epidemic level in the United States and the state Department of Health and Hospitals says its going to get worse before it gets better in Louisiana. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 1 (29) “reporting”

______________________________________

LDWF is now accepting applications to become a wildlife and fisheries field agent. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 2 (27) “reporting”

______________________________________

The Centers for Disease Control says the flu has now reached the epidemic level in the United States and the state Department of Health and Hospitals says its going to get worse before it gets better in Louisiana. Medical director for the immunization program, Dr. Frank Welch, says the flu situation in the Bayou State is absolutely terrible…

Cut 3 (06) “influenza-like symptoms”

Welch says almost seven out of every 100 doctor visits in the state are for flu-like symptoms. He says this year’s flu shot is not perfect, but that should not be an excuse to not get immunized. Welch says the flu shot is still absolutely your best protection…

cut 4  (11)  “dies from it”

Welch says the flu shot will still partially protect you making the illness less serious and less likely someone needs to be hospitalized. And he speaks from personal experience. Welch says, after receiving a flu shot a couple of months ago, he contracted the flu last week…

Cut 5  (11)  “three days later”

______________________________________

The minimum wage goes up in 21 states today. Of course, here in Louisiana the minimum hourly wage stays at $7.25. But Tulane Business Professor Mark Rosa says with nearly half of the states acting on their own, it will spur more talk about raising the federal minimum wage

Cut 6 (10)  “has been changed”

Critics of a higher minimum wage say it forces some businesses to reduce their work force in order to compensate for the higher wages. But Rosa says government can minimize impact, by raising the wage rate slightly or index it to inflation.

CUT 7 (09)  “50 percent”

Arkansas is one of the few states in the South that’s raising the minimum wage today. The lowest paid workers will have to earn at least $8.05 an hour as a result of a ballot initiative approved by voters in November. Rosa says it will be interesting to see how this impact’s Arkansas’ economy…

Cut 8 (08)  “large percentages” 

______________________________________

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is now accepting applications from individuals who are interested in becoming an enforcement agent. LDWF spokesperson Adam Einck says individuals interested in applying should visit the state’s civil service website and also must complete a test to qualify for consideration.

Cut 9 (11)  “of the week”

They will be accepting applications until January 23rd and out of those applications, 24 cadets will be chosen and will will train for six months in Baton Rouge. Einck says cadets will be taught game laws and trained to become search and rescue responders.

Cut 10 (09) “enforcement personnel” 

Einck says this is a great position for people who love to be outdoors. He says field agents spend most of their time outdoors, on the water and trekking through the woods.

cut 11 (08) “to apply”

______________________________________

The new year is off to a dreary start weather wise in north Louisiana. Marty Mayeaux, with the National Weather Service in Shreveport, says cold and rainy conditions will keep people inside

cut 12 (06)  “of rainfall”

High temperatures today will barely get out of the 40s. Mayeaux says it will be warmer tomorrow, but the rain will stick around for the northern half of the state….

Cut 13 (09)  “Saturday afternoon”

There’s also a good chance of rain in southwest Louisiana today and those rain chances increase across south Louisiana over the weekend

Cut 14 (05)  “to be wet”

Louisiana Highway Safety Commission Executive Director, Lt. Col. John LeBlanc hopes to avoid a repeat of last year where eight people were killed on Louisiana roadways during the New Year’s holiday. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 1 (27) “reporting”

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

Over 56-thousand people in Louisiana have selected a health insurance plan during the first month of enrollment through what is commonly referred to as “Obamacare.” Jeff Palermo has the story…

CUT 2 (32) “reporting”

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Highway Safety officials are hoping to avoid a repeat of last year where eight people were killed on Louisiana roadways during the New Year’s holiday. Louisiana Highway Safety Commission Executive Director, Lt. Col. John LeBlanc, says historically and statistically the New Year’s holiday is one of the deadliest times to be on the road…

CUT 3 (09)  “over these holidays”

LeBlanc says all of the fatalities that occurred on state roadways during last year’s New Year’s holiday were alcohol related. He says if you do plan on ringing in the new year with alcohol, do it responsibly…

CUT 4 (10)  “an impaired driver”

LeBlanc says if you plan on drinking alcohol tonight, make sure you secure a sober driver home. He says their “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign continues through January 3. LeBlanc says law enforcement will be out in force tonight, putting in extra effort to remove impaired drivers from the road…

CUT 5 (06)  “night, too”

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

Federal health officials say more than 56-thousand Louisiana residents have selected health insurance plans during the first month of enrollment under what is commonly called “Obamacare.” Doctor Karen DeSalvo, with the US Department of Health and Human Services, says that’s encouraging to see…

CUT 6 (11)  “this year”

DeSalvo says it’s also worth noting that most of those who are choosing a health insurance plan through the Marketplace are not having to pay the full cost of the premiums

CUT 7 (09) “health insurance”

Almost 102-thousand people in Louisiana purchased health insurance through the federal marketplace in 2014. DeSalvo says the 2015 open enrollment period will last until February 15th, and urges people to get covered…

CUT 8 (11) “take for granted”

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

This is a big tourism week for New Orleans with tomorrow’s Sugar Bowl matchup between Ohio State and Alabama. But New Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau Communications Director Lauren Cason says there’s more going on in the Big Easy than the game. She says New Orleans has been named one of the best places to celebrate New Year’s Eve in the nation…

CUT 9 (08)  “New Year’s Eve”

Cason says the Sugar Bowl’s added importance as one of the College Football National Championship semi-final games is bringing an extra dose of excitement to the city. She says having two teams with huge fanbases is a great for the economy…

CUT 10 (11)  “great business”

She says New Year’s Eve and the Sugar Bowl provide a great start to the tourism year in New Orleans. Cason says there are some new events coming to the Crescent City in the new year that should add a nice boost…

cut 11 (10)  “annual ones”

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

National media outlets are reporting LSU defensive coordinator John Chavis is leaving Baton Rouge for the same job at Texas A&M. Tiger Rag Editor James Moran says it’s a big loss for a program that’s won a lot of football games over the last several years, because of their defense

cut 12 (06)  “to be filled”

Chavis has been LSU’s defensive coordinator the last six years and made one-point-three million dollars this past season. LSU offered him a new contract, but Moran says the Aggies are willing to pay “The chief” a higher annual salary…

cut 13 (08)  “over the top”

Reports indicate Chavis has agreed to a three-year deal with Texas A-and-M, which will pay him nearly one-point-seven million dollars a year. Moran says one possible candidate to replace Chavis is former Ole Miss head coach and Louisiana native Ed Orgeron

cut 14 (06)  “defensive line coach”

It’s New Years’ Eve and many across the state will celebrate by shooting fireworks tonight and State Fire Marshal Butch Browning encourages everyone to be safe. Scott Carwile reports…

CUT 1 (30) “reporting”

______________________________________

New young whooping cranes have been released into the Wetlands Conservation Area in Gueydan. Emelie Gunn has the story….

Cut 2 (32) “a little bit”

______________________________________

Elmer Chocolate announces a 40 million dollar expansion. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (29) “reporting”

______________________________________

It’s New Years’ Eve and many across the state will celebrate by shooting fireworks tonight. State Fire Marshal Butch Browning encourages everyone to follow a few rules so you can enjoy your fireworks safely. He says you should always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations…

cut 4  (09)  “that’ll burn”

He also suggests that you have an ample water supply nearby to douse spent or misfired fireworks and you should never light fireworks in your hand. Browning says his office investigated 12 serious firework related injuries during the 4th of July season this year…

Cut 5  (11)  “injuries occur”

Browning also says you should never handle fireworks while drinking alcohol nor allow children to light them. He says, in the unfortunate incident that you are burned by fireworks, remain calm…

Cut 6 (07)  “medical attention”

______________________________________

Fourteen juvenile whooping cranes have been released into White Lake Wetlands Conservation Area. Wildlife Biologist with the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Sara Zimorski says the birds were delivered in early December from the U.S. Geological Survey. She says the young birds join 26 adults already being monitored by wildlife officials.

CUT 7 (12)  “a little faster”

Zimorski says even with some set backs, the birds are doing well in this environment. She says last year a young pair of birds nested twice with unfertilized eggs but took the proper steps to incubate.

Cut 8 (11)  “really positive steps” 

Zimorski says a total of 64 whooping cranes have been released since they started to regrow the population in Louisiana and 40 birds are still alive.

Cut 9 (13)  “thing to swallow”

______________________________________

Elmer Chocolate announces they will undergo a 40 million dollar expansion to their Ponchatoula factory. CEO Robert Nelson says the 70 thousand square foot addition will allow the plant to do everything more efficiently.

Cut 10 (10) “core business” 

Nelson says this addition will create a variety of new jobs at Elmer. He says they look at this expansion as a model for other U.S. manufactures to follow.

cut 11 (10) “at Elmer”

Nelson says this addition is necessary to stay in business for the long haul. He says the state is assisting through their fast start program which will help Elmer employees learn new job skills.

cut 12 (10)  “coming in”

______________________________________

LSU loses to Notre Dame 31-28 in the Music City Bowl and it’s also possible they are losing their very successful defensive coordinator. Reports indicate that John Chavis will leave LSU for the same job at Texas A-and-M. Chavis spoke with reporters after the game, but didn’t want to talk about his future…

Cut 13 (10)  “okay”

During the post-game press conference, Coach Les Miles spoke about Chavis in the past tense

Cut 14 (13)  “to say”

Chavis made one-point-three million dollars this past season, and LSU has offered him a new contract. But it’s been reported the Aggies are willing to give “Chief” a 400-thousand dollar raise. Miles was asked about losing Chavis to an SEC West rival…

Cut 15  (14)  “play like hell”

As Louisiana’s industrial boom continues, the state’s largest utility company will need to be able to generate more power to meet the demand. Eric Gill has more…

CUT 1 (29) “reporting”

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

Louisiana 1st District Congressman Steve Scalise is making national headlines, after he admits to speaking at an event organized by a white supremacist group. Jeff Palermo has the story……..

CUT 2 (30) “reporting”

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

As Louisiana’s industrial boom continues, the state’s largest utility company will need to be able to generate more power to meet the demand. Entergy spokesperson Mike Burns says they are already looking at ways to increase energy production…

CUT 3 (09)  “continuing to grow”

Burns says Entergy has already bought a power plant in El Dorado, Arkansas to make electricity and a new unit in Westwego will go online soon. But Burns says they will need more resources to meet the demand by these new industrial customers…

CUT 4 (07)  “that we have”

Entergy will likely build new power plants, to the tune of $1 billion apiece, which their customers will be expected to pay for. But Burns says the company believes they will still be able to keep customers electricity costs among the lowest in the nation…

CUT 5 (10)  “on our customers”

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

US Representative Steve Scalise admits to speaking to a white supremacist group while serving in the Louisiana legislature in 2002, but the republican from Jefferson Parish says he detests any kind of hate group. U-L Lafayette Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says the controversy surrounding Scalise will likely not end his political career…

CUT 6 (07)  “quite awhile”

Scalise was a speaker at a convention of the European-American Unity and Rights organization, which was founded by former K-K-K leader David Duke. A statement from the Congressman’s office says he only spoke about conservative fiscal policies, and did not endorse the group’s mission or racial views. Cross says the story doesn’t look good for Scalise, but it’s something that will likely fade away…

CUT 7 (08) “story”

Scalise serves as the House Majority Whip and he’ll help shape the Republican Party’s agenda when a new Congress convenes next year. Cross says this story shouldn’t hurt his influence on the rest of the US House of Representatives…

CUT 8 (10) “leadership post”

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

Pineville police have arrested an Alexandria couple who allegedly called in bomb threats at a Wal-Mart as part of a scheme to steal merchandise from the store. Police Chief Donald Weatherford says 57-year-old Hardtner Greenhoward and 33-year-old LaShonda Anderson made the threats on December 21st and 26th

CUT 9 (10)  “be done”

Weatherford says Greenhoward and Anderson came up with the idea of a bomb threat as a way to create a distraction, so they can steal items from Wal-Mart…

CUT 10 (08)  “large television”

Weatherford says Greenhoward and Anderson were charged with felony theft, two counts of terrorizing and criminal conspiracy

cut 11 (04)  “a theft”

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

The Assumption Parish Sheriff’s Office has arrested two teen-aged hitchhikers for allegedly stealing a limousine from a Napoleonville funeral home. Deputy Robert Martin says 18-year-old Trey Hebert and 17-year-old Brandon Morris were at an area hospital where one of them received stitches from a fight he was in earlier that morning. Martin says they didn’t have a ride home and began hitchhiking…

cut 12 (08)  “to Pierre Part”

Deputies received complaints of a white limousine driving recklessly Monday morning. Martin says officers were able to locate the suspected vehicle at around 8AM…

cut 13 (05)  “stood out”

He says detectives were able to locate the pair in their home, one street over from where they found the stolen car. Martin says both Hebert and Morris were booked into the Assumption Parish Detention Center… (Each are charged with felony theft of a motor vehicle.)

cut 14 (04)  “a felony”

The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety’s Traffic Safety Culture Index reveals that Americans have a higher tolerance for drug-impaired drivers than they do for alcohol impaired drivers. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 1 (33) “reporting”

______________________________________

With 2015 fast approaching, now would be a good time to start getting a plan together for improving your personal finance situation. Michelle Southern reports…:

Cut 2 (27) “reporting”

______________________________________

You’ve probably accumilated plenty of trash this month during the Holidays and the Department of Environmental Quality is urging you to recyle. Michelle Southern reports.

Cut 3 (30) “reporting”

______________________________________

New research from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety reveals that Americans have a higher tolerance for drug-impaired drivers than they do for alcohol impaired drivers. It shows two-thirds of Americans say drinking and driving poses a very serious threat on the road, while just over 50-percent feel the same way about drug use. Spokesman Don Redman says State Troopers in the New Orleans area have seen an increase in drug use during DWI arrests…

cut 4  (12)  “the wheel impaired”

The Traffic Safety Culture Index also shows that just over 25-percent feel that the use of prescription drugs behind the wheel poses a threat to their personal safety. Redman says that many prescriptions, and some over-the-counter medications, can impair a driver in a similar way that alcohol does…

Cut 5  (08)  “with DWI”

Previous studies have found that certain antidepressants can increase crash risk by up to 41-percent. To educate drivers on the impact that prescription and over-the-counter drugs can have on safe driving ability, Redman says they have developed the free RoadwiseRX website… (www-dot-roadsiderx-dot-com)

Cut 6 (10)  “driving impaired”

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With 2015 fast approaching, now would be a good time to start getting a plan together for improving your personal finance situation. Bennett Blackledge is a financial advisor in Baton Rouge and he says if you don’t already have one, the best gift you can give yourself in the new year is a sound plan…:

CUT 7 (06)  “of charge cards”

Blackledge a great new years resolution could be resolving to save between 5 to 10 percent of your take home pay…:

Cut 8 (10)  “account” 

Blackledge says you should sit down and look at how much you spent for Christmas in 2014, and begin in January making a financial savings plan for next Christmas. He says many people are getting year end bonuses and he encourages folks to plug that money into a credit card balance…:

Cut 9 (06)  “Christmas time”

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You’ve probably accumulated plenty of trash this month during the Holidays and the Department of Environmental Quality is urging you to recycle. DEQ spokesman Greg Langley says more garbage is produced in the month of December than any other month. He says if you’ve got a lot of boxes, many businesses will accept used packing supplies…:

Cut 10 (08) “in landfills” 

Langley says they also encourage people to recycle Christmas trees because it reduces the amount of material that goes into landfills and provides compost, mulch and wood chips for us by local gardeners. He says local governments throughout the state have different tree recycling programs and you can get information at deq.louisiana.gov or on their Facebook Page…:

cut 11 (09) “us information”

Langley says if you do recycle your tree you should remove lights, ornaments, tinsel and other decorative items before disposing of them. He says most cardboard and wrapping paper can be reused. Langley says plenty of folks got new gifts that require batteries which they always prefer to keep out of landfills…:

cut 12 (10)  “recycle it”

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The Music City Bowl is today featuring the LSU Tigers and Notre Dame. The game kicks off at 2pm and will be televised on ESPN. Notre Dame will start sophomore Malik Zaire (Ma-Leak, Zie-Ear) at quarterback in place of senior Everett Golson. Irish coach Brian Kelly said at a press conference Monday they do plan to play both players…:

Cut 13 (10)  “obviously”

Golson started all 12 regular season games for the Irish but had struggled down the stretch and was pulled in favor of Zaire during Notre Dame’s 49-14 loss to USC in the regular-season finale. Kelly says they are pleased with the way Golson has looked the past couple of weeks..:

Cut 14 (12)  “obviously”

In response to Kelly’s announcement, LSU coach Les Miles made it clear the starting quarterback switch wouldn’t change much in the way his defense heads into Tuesday’s game…:

Cut 15  (12)  “how it unfolds”

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It was another deadly weekend on Louisiana roadways according to State Police. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 1 (31) “reporting”

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The Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s office is investigating an apparent robbery which ended deadly last night in Youngsville. Michelle Southern reports.

CUT 2 (32) “reporting”

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State Police say a pedestrian was struck and killed by a vehicle last night in St. Martin Parish. Master Trooper Brooks David says 48-year-old Brian Bearden of Youngsville was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead. He says officers responded to a crash last night on US 90…

CUT 3 (08)  “on US 90”

David says the driver of the vehicle says he did not see Bearden as he was crossing the highway. The driver did submit to a chemical test and it showed he was not impaired. He says most fatalities involving pedestrians happen at night, and if you are walking along the road, there are precautions you should take…

CUT 4 (09)  “of Louisiana”

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State Police say a single vehicle crash in Lafourche Parish claimed the life of an 18-year-old Galliano man. Trooper Evan Harrell says Evan Danos was a passenger in a vehicle that failed to negotiate a left hand turn on LA 1 and ran off the roadway and struck a tree on the passenger side of the vehicle…

CUT 5 (10)  “that passenger side”

Danos was transported to a local hospital and succumbed to his injuries shortly after arrival. The driver of the vehicle, 19-year-old Colby Callais, was taken to the hospital with moderate injuries. Harrell says this crash is still under investigation…

CUT 6 (07)  “as of yet”

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Lafayette Police say an arrest has been made in the Christmas Day shooting in Lafayette that left one victim dead and injured another. 23-year-old Chesmond Paris of Lafayette is charged with second degree murder. Cpl. Paul Mouton says when officers responded to the scene, they found two shooting victims…

CUT 7 (10) “to the foot”

23-year-old Wilbert Simon of Lafayette was pronounced dead at the scene. A second victim was shot in the foot. Paris turned himself in to authorities without incident. Mouton says investigators believe a disturbance occurred between Paris and Simon in the street…

CUT 8 (11) “in the foot”

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Shreveport Police have arrested another person in connection with an early Friday morning shooting that left an Arkansas man dead. 21-year-old Demarcus Gladney of Bossier City is charged with one count of illegal use of a weapon. Sgt. Bill Gooden says this deadly incident began when a group of teens were kicked out of a Christmas party at a hotel for fighting…

CUT 9 (11)  “police units”

A 16-year-old was previously arrested for his involvement in the shooting. Goodin says 52-year-old Robert Swenson died of a gunshot wound to the chest. He says two teenagers were also injured in the incident. Goodin says it appears Goodin was just an innocent bystander…

CUT 10 (08)  “at all”

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Now that the Saints season is over after a 23-20 win over Tampa Bay yesterday, the Who Dat nation is reflecting on the disappointing year. It’s likely New Orleans will get the 13th pick in the first round of the 2015 draft and these fans have mixed feelings on picking up the win over the Bucs yesterday…:

cut 11 (09)  “they need help”

NFL teams can sign free agents starting March 10. The draft begins April 30. These Black and Gold faithful didn’t hold back when asked their feelings…:

cut 12 (09) “entire team”

These fans say some serious changes need to be made on the team if the Saints hope to achieve a winning season…

cut 13 (19) “ship em out”