State Police say two Town of Franklinton employees are under arrest, accused of stealing over $22,000 in water and utility payments from residents. Eric Gill has the story…

CUT 1 (31) “reporting”

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

Former Saints safety Darren Sharper has been indicted by an Orleans grand jury on two counts of aggravated rape. Michelle Southern reports.

CUT 2 (31) “reporting”

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

State Police say two Town of Franklinton employees are under arrest, accused of stealing over $22,000 in water and utility payments from residents. Master Trooper Greg Marchand says town officials noticed some irregularities in how town utility bills were being collected and called them to investigate…

CUT 3 (09)  “a town account”

He says 39-year-old Carmen Freemen and 42-year-old Caprice Dawson processed over 230 payments that were never deposited into the town’s account. Marchand says Freeman’s and Dawson’s official duties included processing the billing and payments of all customers utilizing the town’s water services…

CUT 4 (07)  “own personal gain”

Marchand says they were able to collect enough evidence to acquire arrest warrants on the pair on several charges, including felony theft and malfeasance in office…

CUT 5 (06)  “in Franklinton”

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

Former Saints safety Darren Sharper has been indicted by an Orleans grand jury on two counts of aggravated rape. Sharper allegedly drugged and raped women in New Orleans — accusations he also faces in multiple states. He is currently held without bond in Los Angeles. Legal analyst Tim Meche says rape is typically “he-said-she-said”…:

CUT 6 (13)  “about this case”

Meche says even though Sharper is accused in other states he will likely face a trial in New Orleans because aggravated rape carries a life sentence, so he probably won’t plead guilty…:

CUT 7 (12) “tried first”

A New Orleans arrest warrant says witnesses report that Sharper and co-defendant Erik Nunez acknowledged they had non consensual sex with two women. Sharper was part of a successful championship run while with the Black and Gold. Even though he is so well known, Meche doesn’t think the trial will be moved from Orleans…:

(Sharper was also indicted today on federal drug charges.) 

CUT 8 (10) “anywhere else”

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

State Police is investigating a fatal accident that happened this morning on I-20 which claimed the life of a woman who was not buckled up. Trooper Michael Reichart says 35-year-old Candace Henderson was traveling west on the interstate near a rest area in Lincoln Parish went she says she hit something in the road…:

CUT 9 (08)  “lane of travel”

Reichart says the vehicle was then hit by an 18 wheeler…:

CUT 10 (08)  “died at the hospital”

A passenger in Henderson’s vehicle, 28-year-old Kimberly Henderson of Monroe, was not restrained and was ejected and died as a result. Reichart says he can’t stress enough the importance of buckling up…:

cut 11 (05)  “event of a crash”

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

LSU’s ticket office says they have about seven-hundred tickets left for the Music City Bowl on December 30th. On that day the 22nd ranked Tigers will take on Notre Dame in Nashville and LSU ticket office manager Brian Broussard is expecting to sell its allotted eight-thousand tickets

cut 12 (11) “over that time”

LSU sold only six-thousand tickets for last year’s Outback Bowl against Iowa. Broussard says an intriguing match-up with Notre Dame and a great bowl destination is helping ticket sales this year

cut 13 (05) “to visit”

Broussard says you can also purchase tickets through Ticketmaster, but the tickets LSU is selling are in a better location…

cut 14 (10) “100 level”

A documentary dubbed the first comprehensive overview of the Deepwater Horizon oil rig explosion and aftermath, will open at the Prytania theater (pre-TAN-ya) in New Orleans today. Michelle Southern reports.

CUT 1 (30) “reporting”

______________________________________

Democratic Senator Mary Landrieu says goodbye to the Senate. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (29) “reporting”

______________________________________

The Louisiana Highway Safety Commission announces that DWI patrols will be increased throughout the holiday period as part of their “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign. Scott Carwile reports…

Cut 3 (31) “reporting”

______________________________________

The Governor’s and Lt Governor’s races are not the only potential hotly contested statewide races next year. It appears as though the race for Attorney General could also be a barn burner after reports that Treasurer John Kennedy is eyeing the seat. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says Kennedy ran for the AG’s office in 1991 and lost so it’s not surprising he’d want to take another shot…:

cut 4  (10)  “for Attorney General”

Pinsonat says Kennedy wouldn’t have a problem raising money and he’s become very popular as state treasurer so his entering the AG’s race would narrow the field big time…:

Cut 5  (11)  “one or two others”

Pinsonat says Kennedy, who has been very vocal and transparent in running the state treasury, has become very popular in Louisiana…:

Cut 6 (13)  “one of the candidates to beat”

______________________________________

A documentary dubbed the first comprehensive overview of the Deepwater Horizon oil rig explosion and aftermath, will open at the Prytania theater (pre-TAN-ya) in New Orleans today. The film, “The Great Invisible” is directed by Margaret Brown. She says her family has a house on the Alabama coast and they were sending her pictures of the area after the disaster in 2010…:

CUT 7 (14)  “make a film”

Brown says they began filming when the oil came ashore and explored the lives of those in the coastal region who were most immediately affected by the biggest oil-related disaster in the nation’s history:…:

Cut 8 (12)  “since then” 

Brown says many lives in the coastal South are connected to and are reliant upon the oil industry. She says the documentary looks at how all Americans are connected to oil…:

Cut 9 (07)  “thinking about it”

______________________________________

Democratic US Senator Mary Landrieu gave a farewell speech on the Senate floor yesterday as her third and final term is coming to a close. Landrieu says it’s been a joy to serve in the Senate these last 18 years…

Cut 10 (11) “all of you” 

Landrieu did not say what her future plans hold. The Senator spoke about her achievements while serving as a US Senator, including helping Louisiana receive billions of dollars in federal aid to recover from Hurricanes Katrina and Rita

cut 11 (09) “having it”

Landrieu also touted her efforts when it came to promoting the oil and gas industry and adoption awareness. Her Senate farewell was the first time she spoke publiclly since losing to Republican Bill Cassidy in the Senate run-off and the outgoing senator she’s at peace with what happened

cut 12 (11)  “I accept”

______________________________________

The Louisiana Highway Safety Commission announces that DWI patrols will be increased throughout the holiday period as part of their “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign. This is a state and national campaign aimed at keeping impaired drivers off the roadways and reducing deadly crashes. Lt. Col. John Leblanc says December is one of the deadliest months on Louisiana roadways…

Cut 13 (11)  “highway crashes”

Leblanc says 59 people were killed statewide in fatal accidents in December last year and 11 people were killed in the four days comprising the Christmas and New Year’s holidays. He says alcohol use was a factor in more than half of the fatalities. Leblanc says this holiday season, they’re working with over 60 law enforcement agencies across the state…

Cut 14 (10)  “drinking and driving”

Last year in Louisiana, police made over 21,000 DWI arrests. Leblanc says getting arrested for DWI or worse, causing a tragic accident, is not a Christmas memory anyone wants. He says it’s important to have a plan if you are going to celebrate during the holiday season…

Cut 15  (08)  “of transportation”

______________________________________

Five more state champions will be crowned in football this weekend. On Saturday afternoon, the Neville Tigers from Monroe are seeking their 11th state title in school history as they’ll face Warren Easton out of New Orleans on Saturday afternoon. Neville head coach Mickey McCarty says his team is peaking at the right time

Cut 16  (16)  “Warren Easton team”

Warren Easton is led by quarterback Deshawn Capers-Smith, who was named Louisiana Football Gatorade Player of the Year. McCarty says his defense will face a big challenge in trying to slow down Capers-Smith

Cut 17  (18)   “our offense”

In the Five-A Championship game on Saturday night, it will be Destrehan versus the defending champs, the Acadiana Wrecking Rams. The Wildcats last won a football title in 2008 and head coach Stephen Robichaux is trying to complete an undefeated championship season in 2014

Cut 18 (13) “you know”

Destrehan lost to Acadiana in the semi-finals last year. Robichaux says his team knows what they are up against…

Cut 19 (09)   “face em”

The National Hurricane Center will begin issuing separate storm surge warnings with next year’s Atlantic Hurricane Season. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 1 (30) “reporting”

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

Louisiana is below the national average when it comes to percentage of public high school seniors who fill out paperwork to receive financial aid to attend college or a technical school. Jeff Palermo has the story…

CUT 2 (31) “reporting”

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

The National Hurricane Center will begin issuing separate storm surge warnings with next year’s Atlantic Hurricane Season. Storm surge is often cited as the greatest threat to life and property from a tropical cyclone. Storm Surge Specialist, Jamie Rhome, says this has been many years in the making…

CUT 3 (10)  “with wind”

He says the threat from storm surge needed to be put on par with wind and that required a dedicated storm surge warning. Storm surge often strikes at different times and places than a storm’s winds. Rhome says the information in these alerts will be short and to the point…

CUT 4 (06)  “life threatening conditions”

Earlier this year, NHC debuted color coded maps showing where and how high water could rise as storms approach land. Rhome says these storm surge alerts will also give you an indication of when the threat could impact an area. He says a storm surge warning is nothing to be taken lightly…

CUT 5 (08)  “to do something”

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

If Senator David Vitter is elected governor next year, 4th District Representative John Fleming wants to succeed him in the Senate. In a written statement, Fleming says his focus is on serving the residents of the 4th district, but he would be interested in running for the seat Vitter would vacate. Political analyst Elliot Stonecipher says it’s a little early to start speculating on who will fill Vitter’s Senate seat…

CUT 6 (09)  “being a fact”

If Vitter is successful, a replacement will be appointed by the governor to fill out his Senate term. Stonecipher says as we get deeper into the governor’s race the entire picture will become more clear, but it’s still too soon to get a real grasp on the issue…

CUT 7 (08) “his successor”

Fleming has stated that he’s receiving a lot of encouragement to consider a Senate run in 2016. Stonecipher says there are too many things in the air to make any kind of prediction on whether or not a new Senator will even need to be appointed…

CUT 8 (09) “selection gets made”

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

In a story first reported by LaPolitics.com, Republican State Treasurer John Kennedy may consider a run against Republican incumbent Buddy Caldwell in a race for Attorney General. Editor Jeremy Alford says not only is Kennedy thinking about running for AG, but he’s actively been seeking advice from donors…:

CUT 9 (13)  “excel at”

Alford says should Kennedy switch jobs, money won’t be a problem for him. He says next year Kennedy will report that he has $3.5 million dollars in the bank…:

CUT 10 (10)  “right now”

Alford says former Congressman Jeff Landry, also a Republican, could be the wild card in the AG race as sources say he’s already had a few six-figure fundraisers this year. He says given all this combined with a dip in popularity, Caldwell could be in trouble next year…:

cut 11 (12)  “couple of years”

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

State education Superintendent John White is concerned only 44-percent of public high school seniors fill out the paperwork required to receive federal financial aid to attend college or a technical training school. White says Louisiana students are missing out on millions of dollars in federal assistance

cut 12 (10) “receive today”

White says all high school seniors should fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, which helps determine if a student is eligible for financial aid…

cut 13 (11) “FASA form”

White says he’ll talk with school systems about ways to improve the application rate. He says in some cases, students don’t know about the form and they are missing out on the opportunity to receive federal aid

cut 14 (11) “financial aid”

As Christmas approaches, many people struggle with keeping their Christmas trees fresh. Scott Carwile reports…

CUT 1 (31) “reporting”

______________________________________

Southwest Louisiana is once again getting a major economic boost as another LNG company announces plans to build a $4 billion dollar processing complex and export terminal at Calcasieu Pass. Michelle Southern reports…:

Cut 2 (31) “reporting”

______________________________________

Burl Cain, warden of the Louisiana State Penitentiary at Angola, says he’s considering running for governor. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 3 (30) “reporting”

______________________________________

As Christmas approaches, many people struggle with keeping their Christmas trees fresh. LSU AgCenter Professor of Forestry Specialist, Don Reed, says hydration is the key for a fresh tree. He says the most important thing is to make sure you set the base of your tree in water as soon as possible…

cut 4  (10)  “normally would”

A fresh tree can take in a gallon of water a more per day, so make sure you’re watering your tree often. Reed says where you place your tree is important, as well…

Cut 5  (09)  “with heat”

Reed says to keep your tree away from heat sources, as that will cause your tree to dry out prematurely. Many people like to throw in different additives, like bleach and corn syrup, to the water they use thinking it will help in prolonging the vibrancy of their Christmas trees. Reed says they’ve found that no additives are necessary…

Cut 6 (08)  “keeping it fresh”

______________________________________

Southwest Louisiana is once again getting a major economic boost as another LNG company announces plans to build a $4 billion dollar processing complex and export terminal at Calcasieu Pass. Venture Global says the project will create 100 new direct jobs. LSU Economist Dr. Loren Scott says this is a cherry on top of a loaded sundae…:

CUT 7 (13)  “going vertical”

Officials say this facility will put Cameron Parish at the forefront of liquefied natural gas trade. Scott says this is great news for everyone in the state…:

Cut 8 (10)  “right now” 

Construction is expected to begin at the 203 acre site in the third quarter of 2016 and the liquefaction complex is expected to be operating by late 2019. Scott says the economy in Louisiana is looking brighter than ever…:

Cut 9 (10)  “off the charts amazing”

______________________________________

Angola warden Burl Cain says he’s thinking about running for governor. The 72-year-old republican says he’s receiving encouragement to run and he’s weighing his options…

Cut 10 (10) “how this goes” 

Cain says the thought of running for governor first came up a year ago, when he performed well in a poll on the 2015 governor’s race. The warden says there’s road signs encouraging him to run

cut 11 (08) “to think”

Cain says he’s humbled that there are people who want him to run the state, after serving as the warden of the Louisiana State Penitentiary for 20 years. He’s says he’ll think and pray about it, but he’s not sure when he’ll make a final decision…

cut 12 (10)  “old Burl”

______________________________________

The Department of Children and Family Services is warning residents of a possible phone scam that could lead to a breech of your credit card. DCFS Executive Council Charlie Dirks says the reported scam starts with the caller saying if credit card information was provided, the listener would get a $100 gift card to Wal-Mart…:

Cut 13 (10)  “to do with this”

Dirks says a caller reportedly tells the listener that they would get a $100 Wal Mart gift card at their local food stamp office if they provided a credit card number for a $1.95 charge. He says someone showed up at their Iberia Parish Office looking for their gift card:

Cut 14 (09)  “in nature”

Dirks says they never participate in giveaways and they never ask for credit card information from clients. He says if you get a call like this you should let someone know…:

Cut 15  (09)  “behind this”

______________________________________

The Saints return to work today to get ready for Monday night’s game against the Chicago Bears. Since Sunday’s embarrassing loss to Carolina, wide receiver Joe Morgan has been released, safety Kenny Vaccaro has been benched and Coach Sean Payton has held several one-on-one meetings with team leaders. NFL analyst Mike Detillier on the situation

Cut 16  (18)  “roller coaster ride”

The Saints can still win the NFC South, even though they have a five and eight record. They’ll compete with Atlanta and Carolina for the division title and a playoff home game. But Detillier says the Black and Gold can’t worry about that

Cut 17  (11)   “important thing”

Detillier doesn’t expect many more changes with the team’s two-deep depth chart…

Cut 18 (16) “two games”

State education officials announce that Louisiana has been awarded a federal grant of up to $32 million over four years to provide new and improved pre-k classes for over 10,000 children. Eric Gill has more…

CUT 1 (32) “reporting”

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

The United Health Foundation released its 25th annual America’s Health Rankings and once again Louisiana is 48th in the nation — the same rank we had last year. Michelle Southern reports…:

CUT 2 (32) “reporting”

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

State education officials announce that Louisiana has been awarded a federal grant of up to $32 million over four years to provide new and improved pre-k classes for over 10,000 children. State Education Superintendent John White says the grant is a tremendous step forward for the state. He says this grant will help address the demand issues for availability in the early childhood education system in the state…

CUT 3 (05)  “child care program”

The grant will offer classroom seats to over 4,500 additional 4-year-olds in the state. White says it will also allow nearly 6,000 children to attend classes run by college-educated teachers which will address concerns of uneven quality in those classes…

CUT 4 (06)  “got to change”

Louisiana is one of 13 states to receive this grant. White says this grant will help improve the overall education of these children. He says, right now, 44-percent of Louisiana kids coming into kindergarten can’t recognize all 26 letters of the alphabet or count to 20…

CUT 5 (08)  “enter the workforce”

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

The United Health Foundation released its 25th annual America’s Health Rankings and once again Louisiana is 48th in the nation — the same rank we had last year. Dr. Catherine Palmier, Chief Medical Officer for the Foundation’s East Region, says Louisiana has a very high rate of preventable hospitalizations…:

CUT 6 (13)  “good control”

Palmier says other factors keeping our rank near the bottom in the nation is the high rate of obesity at 33% of the population, physical inactivity which is 30% and smoking which at 23%. She also says we have an extremely high incidence of low birthweight babies…:

CUT 7 (11) “in their pregnancies”

Palmier says there were some positive findings on this years report including a 15 percent decrease in children in poverty over the past year. She also says physical inactivity has decreased by 10 percent over the past 2 years. Palmier says Louisiana ranks high in the number of teenagers who have been immunized…:

CUT 8 (09) “really good”

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

It’s being reported that the University of Michigan has reached out to LSU Head Coach Les Miles’ agent in regard to their football coach vacancy. Tiger Rag editor Robert Stewart isn’t surprised that Miles’ alma mater is guaging his interest. He thinks Coach Miles will take that phone call from Michigan every time…

CUT 9 (08)  “farther than this”

Stewart says he doesn’t think talks will go much farther than this. Stewart doesn’t see Miles leaving LSU for Michigan. He says family would be a major consideration to Miles, as he has children currently enrolled in schools here. Stewart says the coach and his family have entrenched themselves in Louisiana and it would be difficult to leave…

CUT 10 (11)  “talent here”

In the Miles era, LSU has won over 100 football games and brought home 2 SEC championships and a national championship in 2007. Stewart says that success is another reason Miles won’t accept Michigan’s offer. He says the situation at Michigan is a mess, right now…

cut 11 (12)  “to do that”

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

Baton Rouge Mayor Kip Holden announced today he is joining the race for Lt. Governor of Louisiana. The Democrat says one of the things he plans to focus on during his campaign is promoting the small towns in the state…:

cut 12 (11) “should look like”

Holden says he has contacts all over Louisiana to help get his name out there and prove to voters he’s fit to serve as Lt. Governor…:

cut 13 (08) “ready to go”

Holden says he became the only mayor in the history of Baton Rouge to carry every precinct and he’s constantly told by Republicans that he’s the only Democrat they’ve ever voted for. He says he’s not worried about the elections this year and the fact that Louisiana is leaning to the conservative side…:

cut 14 (12) “the whole state”

Law enforcement agencies in the state have begun testing body cameras for police officers. Michelle Southern has the story…

CUT 1 (31) “reporting”

______________________________________

Democratic Baton Rouge Mayor Kip Holden is expected to officially throw his hat in the ring in Louisiana’s Lieutenant Governor’s race. Scott Carwile reports…

Cut 2 (31) “reporting”

______________________________________

US Senator David Vitter has drafted legislation that would prohibit the federal government from mandating states to adopt Common Core standards. Michelle Southern reports…:

Cut 3 (31) “reporting”

______________________________________

Events throughout the state and in Ferguson, Missouri have prompted law enforcement agencies in Louisiana to begin at least testing body cameas to be worn by officers. The president is calling for body cameras to be used nation wide. Jim Bueerman (BEER-MAN) is the president of the Police Foundation. He says the foundation is a strong advocate for the cameras.

cut 4  (09)  “and side arms.”

Bueerman says relationships between communities and police cannot be solved by technology. But he says the cameras will add a tremendous degree of viability and accountability.

Cut 5  (13)  “treat each other”

The cameras cost about 295 dollars per officer and are positioned on the officers so they do not get in the way. Bueerman says the foundation expects the cameras to be on officers everywhere in the next 5 years.

Cut 6 (11)  “to the public”

______________________________________

Democratic Baton Rouge Mayor Kip Holden is throwing his hat in the ring in Louisiana’s Lieutenant Governor’s race. Holden is expected to officially announce his intentions at a press conference scheduled for 10AM. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says Holden has a real shot of making the runoff for the office despite the negative climate of the Democratic Party in Louisiana…

CUT 7 (09)  “look that good”

Pinsonat says it would be extremely difficult for any Democratic candidate to win a statewide office this year. But he says the election is a year away and that could be an advantage for Holden…

Cut 8 (10)  “into the runoff” 

Plaquemines Parish President Billy Nungesser, Jefferson Parish President John Young, and State Senator Elbert Guillory, all Republicans, have previously announced their intent to run. Although Holden is popular in his home base of Baton Rouge, he doesn’t yet have statewide name recognition. Pinsonat says to get known, Holden will probably have to do some serious fundraising to the tune of one-million dollars…

Cut 9 (09)  “introduce him”

______________________________________

US Senator David Vitter has drafted legislation that would prohibit the federal government from mandating states to adopt Common Core standards. Vitter had previously supported the federal education standards. Jeremy Alford with LaPolitics.com says Vitter now has to show that he’s serious about his current stance…:

Cut 10 (11) “his position” 

Alford says Vitter explained he changed his position after meeting with parents and teachers in Louisiana who really do not like Common Core. He says that’s what makes this issue so politically charged…:

cut 11 (13) “these standards”

Alford says Vitter is intent on staying at the forefront of policies that Louisianians care about and that combined with the very visible support of Congressman Bill Cassidy for Senate foreshadows a very intense race for Governor next year…:

cut 12 (08)  “Governor of Louisiana”

______________________________________

The Louisiana Workforce Commission says The Bayou State is ranked second best in the nation for work-related injuries and illness. The incidence rate in 2014 improved to its best level in more than 12 years. LWC spokesman Tom Guarisco says this is a great accomplishment for employers and workers in Louisiana…:

Cut 13 (10)  “workplace injuries”

LWC praises employers and their workforce for doing the right things to keep Louisiana safer. Guarisco says for a state that’s known for having big plants and industry, this ranking is a strong testament that companies are hammering the importance of safety on a daily basis…:

Cut 14 (05)  “do things safely”

Guarisco says workers compensation rates in Louisiana were reduced in 2014 by 5.1% and there is another 2.5 percent reduction recommendation pending for 2015…:

Cut 15  (08)  “very historic”

______________________________________

Law enforcement agencies in the state have begun testing body cameras for police officers. Michelle Southern has the story…

CUT 1 (31) “reporting”

______________________________________

Democratic Baton Rouge Mayor Kip Holden is expected to officially throw his hat in the ring in Louisiana’s Lieutenant Governor’s race. Scott Carwile reports…

Cut 2 (28) “reporting”

______________________________________

US Senator David Vitter has drafted legislation that would prohibit the federal government from mandating states to adopt Common Core standards. Michelle Southern reports…:

Cut 3 (31) “reporting”

______________________________________

Events throughout the state and in Ferguson, Missouri have prompted law enforcement agencies in Louisiana to begin at least testing body cameas to be worn by officers. The president is calling for body cameras to be used nation wide. Jim Bueerman (BEER-MAN) is the president of the Police Foundation. He says the foundation is a strong advocate for the cameras.

cut 4  (09)  “and side arms.”

Bueerman says relationships between communities and police cannot be solved by technology. But he says the cameras will add a tremendous degree of viability and accountability.

Cut 5  (13)  “treat each other”

The cameras cost about 295 dollars per officer and are positioned on the officers so they do not get in the way. Bueerman says the foundation expects the cameras to be on officers everywhere in the next 5 years.

Cut 6 (11)  “to the public”

______________________________________

Democratic Baton Rouge Mayor Kip Holden is throwing his hat in the ring in Louisiana’s Lieutenant Governor’s race. Holden is expected to officially announce his intentions at a press conference scheduled for 10AM. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says Holden has a real shot of making the runoff for the office despite the negative climate of the Democratic Party in Louisiana…

CUT 7 (09)  “look that good”

Pinsonat says it would be extremely difficult for any Democratic candidate to win a statewide office this year. But he says the election is a year away and that could be an advantage for Holden…

Cut 8 (10)  “into the runoff” 

Plaquemines Parish President Billy Nungesser, Jefferson Parish President John Young, and State Senator Elbert Guillory, all Republicans, have previously announced their intent to run. Although Holden is popular in his home base of Baton Rouge, he doesn’t yet have statewide name recognition. Pinsonat says to get known, Holden will probably have to do some serious fundraising to the tune of one-million dollars…

Cut 9 (09)  “introduce him”

______________________________________

US Senator David Vitter has drafted legislation that would prohibit the federal government from mandating states to adopt Common Core standards. Vitter had previously supported the federal education standards. Jeremy Alford with LaPolitics.com says Vitter now has to show that he’s serious about his current stance…:

Cut 10 (11) “his position” 

Alford says Vitter explained he changed his position after meeting with parents and teachers in Louisiana who really do not like Common Core. He says that’s what makes this issue so politically charged…:

cut 11 (13) “these standards”

Alford says Vitter is intent on staying at the forefront of policies that Louisianians care about and that combined with the very visible support of Congressman Bill Cassidy for Senate foreshadows a very intense race for Governor next year…:

cut 12 (08)  “Governor of Louisiana”

______________________________________

The Louisiana Workforce Commission says The Bayou State is ranked second best in the nation for work-related injuries and illness. The incidence rate in 2014 improved to its best level in more than 12 years. LWC spokesman Tom Guarisco says this is a great accomplishment for employers and workers in Louisiana…:

Cut 13 (10)  “workplace injuries”

LWC praises employers and their workforce for doing the right things to keep Louisiana safer. Guarisco says for a state that’s known for having big plants and industry, this ranking is a strong testament that companies are hammering the importance of safety on a daily basis…:

Cut 14 (05)  “do things safely”

Guarisco says workers compensation rates in Louisiana were reduced in 2014 by 5.1% and there is another 2.5 percent reduction recommendation pending for 2015…:

Cut 15  (08)  “very historic”

______________________________________

A tragic story out of St. Landry Parish where a father died after running into a burning house to rescue his 10-year-old son. Eric Gill has more…

CUT 1 (30) “reporting”

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

Governor Bobby Jindal today issued an executive order which directs hospitals to bill the Crime Victims Reparation fund instead of victims for sexual assault medical treatment. Michelle Southern reports…:

CUT 2 (32) “reporting”

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

A tragic story out of St. Landry Parish where a father died after running into a burning house to rescue his 10-year-old son. 42-year-old John Robertson Sr. of Grand Prairie suffered fatal injuries while saving his son, John Robertson Jr. State Fire Marshal Butch Browning says the investigation is in its initial stages…

CUT 3 (09)  “of his injuries”

The boy remains hospitalized after suffering burns over 40% of his body where, at last report, he was in stable condition. Browning says they normally do not recommend people to run into a burning building…

CUT 4 (07)  “the same thing”

He says fires are dangerous, even for firefighters equipped with the proper tools and gear needed to enter a burning building. The cause of the fire is unknown at this time. Browning says this is an extremely sad story…

CUT 5 (06)  “who’s hospitalized”

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

After Sunday’s beat down by the Carolina Panthers, it appears that New Orleans Saints Head Coach Sean Payton has put his players on notice. Payton alluded that some could be looking for jobs sooner than they expect…

CUT 6 (11)  “who’s doing it”

The Saints have lost four of their last five games heading into a Monday night matchup in Chicago. Right tackle Zach Strief told reporters that he thinks the team too often shows up for games looking too relaxed. Payton says it’s the players’ job to show up with the intensity needed to win games…

CUT 7 (07) “other options”

The Saints are benefiting from the overall struggles all teams in the NFC South are having this season. Despite their 5-8 record, the Black & Gold are still tied for the division lead. Payton says the situation the Saints find themselves in is obviously serious…

CUT 8 (08) “your guys are”

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

Congressman Bill Cassidy is back in Washington today to start getting ready for his new role on the Senate side. The Congressman easily defeated Senator Mary Landrieu over the weekend. Cassidy says, with Republicans in control of Congress, they will finally be able to pass the Keystone XL pipeline legislation…:

CUT 9 (10)  “Presidential veto”

Cassidy, who ran a campaign on the promise of getting to Washington and fighting the policies of President Obama, says the first thing they plan to tackle piece by piece is the Affordable Care Act…:

CUT 10 (07)  “President’s desk”

Cassidy has a meeting scheduled with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and it’s expected the talk of committee assignments will come. The Congressman says he expects to get a seat on the Senate Energy and Appropriations Committees. He says he’s listened to the people of Louisiana and his plan is to come up with ways to create more jobs with better benefits and better job security…:

cut 11 (08)  “to doing that”

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A teenage student from Dutchtown High School was killed and four other people were hurt in a head on crash this morning in Gonzales. State Police spokesman Jared Sandifer says for unknown reasons, a car was traveling in the wrong lane of traffic on La 74 near Interstate 10…:

cut 12 (09) “was killed”

Sandifer says the three sisters were on their way to school at the time of the crash and the backseat passenger in the teenagers’ car died on the scene. The other two sisters were taken to a local hospital and the other driver is recovering at a local hospital. Sandifer says the tragic crash remains under investigation…:

cut 13 (09) “as well”

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Governor Bobby Jindal today issued an executive order which directs hospitals to bill the Crime Victims Reparation fund instead of victims for sexual assault medical treatment. Louisiana Foundation Against Sexual Assault Executive Director Ebony Tucker says there is still a lot to do, but this order is a step in the right direction…:

cut 14 (09) “at all”

The order comes amidst outrage on revelations that hospitals were billing victims of sexual assault for services related to their care. Tucker says the time period by which a victim of sexual assault must notify law enforcement is now extended from 72 hours to 1 year…:

cut 15 (05) “in federal court”

Tucker says many legislative changes need to be made in the 2015 session and they look forward to continuing the process of improving care and services for victims of sexual assault. She says they want to make sure the state has the funds to cover the costs of treating victims…:

cut 16 (12) “traumatic experience”

Now that that the US Senate election is over and she won’t be returning to Congress, what’s next for Mary Landrieu? Scott Carwile reports…

CUT 1 (31) “reporting”

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The Department of Health and Hospitals is hosting a symposium today which will focus on finding solutions to rising youth ADHD diagnoses and treatment. Michelle Southern reports…:

Cut 2 (30) “reporting”

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Now that the US Senate election is over and she won’t be returning to Congress, what’s next for Mary Landrieu? Political Analyst Clancy Dubos expects Landrieu to first take some time off to spend with her family…

Cut 3 (08) “with voters, for her”

Landrieu served three terms in the Senate representing Louisiana before losing to Republican Congressman Bill Cassidy in Saturday’s Senate runoff election. Dubos says, after a waiting period, Landrieu could consider becoming a lobbyist…

cut 4  (05)  “before her”

He says Saturday’s defeat doesn’t necessarily mean that Landrieu’s political career is over. Dubos says Landrieu could decide to jump back in the political arena, but admits that it may be a while before she runs for office again…

Cut 5  (12)  “race coming up”

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The Department of Health and Hospitals is hosting a symposium today which will focus on finding solutions to rising youth ADHD (or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) diagnoses and treatment. Secretary Kathy Kliebert says it’s concerning that Louisiana has the second highest state ADHD prescription rate in the nation…:

Cut 6 (13)  “come up with solutions”

ADHD medication use has risen 35.5 percent from 2008 to 2012 and young adult use has nearly doubled. Kliebert says they see an urgent need to gather doctors, parents, teachers and members of the community to explore the issue of the alarming rate of ADHD medication use in Louisiana….:

CUT 7 (08)  “medication usage”

Kliebert says you can find more information online at ddh.la.gov/ADHD. She feels there is a lot of over prescribing of these medications and the scary part is that they don’t know what the long-term affects could be on these kids. Kliebert says there are also studies that show ADHD medication is a gateway drug and is seriously abused..:

Cut 8 (12)  “appropriate diagnosis” 

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The Big Easy is once again expecting many football fans in town for the R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl and the Allstate Sugarbowl. New Orleans Tourism & Marketing Corporation President Mark Romig says the New Years Day matchup between Alabama and Ohio State in the Sugarbowl will be legendary…:

Cut 9 (13)  “January 1st game”

Romig says they are expecting a sell-out crowd at the Mercedez Benz Superdome for the inaugural College Football Playoff and expects the city to be backed…:

Cut 10 (10) “alumni presence” 

Romig says there will also be big crows in town for the New Orleans Bowl on December 20th. He says the game against UL-Lafayette and Nevada is expected to be a good one and Ragin’ Cajun fans always travel well down I-10…:

cut 11 (11) “New Orleans area”

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The matchup for the Duck Commander Independence Bowl has been set as the South Carolina Gamecocks will face the Miami Hurricanes on December 27th in Shreveport. Independence Bowl Public Relations Director, Stefan (STEF-an) Nolet (NO-lay), says the excitement for this year’s game began in February when West Monroe-based Duck Commander signed on as the game’s sponsor…

cut 12 (12)  “on ABC”

This is the first year the Independence Bowl will be played on a Saturday since 1990 and the first time the game is broadcast on network television since 1991. Nolet says you can expect to see many of your favorite “Duck Dynasty” stars, as well. He says Uncle Si will be involved with the coin flip and Willie Robertson will present the trophy to the winner after the game…

Cut 13 (09)  “week, as well”

This year marks the Gamecocks 2nd trip to Shreveport, while Miami makes its first trip to the Independence Bowl. Nolet says there is a lot of activities surrounding the game for fans of all ages to enjoy. He says there’s a cook-off, inflatables for the kids, a flyover honoring the Tuskegee Airmen, and a lot more…

Cut 14 (08)  “kinda flair”

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Former Governor Edwin Edwards will be releasing another book next year and this one will be loaded with pictures. Biographer Leo Honeycutt says many people have been asking him to write another book about The Cajun Prince since there are already several new chapters in his life:

Cut 15  (08)  “very historic”

Honeycutt says while he was working on the 600+ page novel he ended up amassing over 900 pictures. He says the new venture is a coffee table book and will be Edwards’ life in pictures…:

Cut 16  (10)  “first and second terms”

Honeycutt says they will begin working on the project next year and he’ll push to have it out by the end of the summer/early fall. He says the Edwards picture book will also be another Louisiana political history book…:

Cut 17  (10)   “and when”