When the new congress is seated in January, the Republican Party will have control of both the House and Senate and the Louisiana delegation says they are more ready than ever. Eric Gill has more…

CUT 1 (32) “reporting”

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

This year’s elections are over and coming up next in Louisiana politics will be the 2015 Governor’s race. Michelle Southern reports…:

CUT 2 (30) “reporting”

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

When the new congress is seated in January, the Republican Party will have control of both the House and Senate and the Louisiana delegation says they are more ready than ever. 4th District Congressman John Fleming of Leesville says the party discussion now turns to how they can make things right and rebuild the trust of the American people…

CUT 3 (11)  “they like Republicans”

Fleming feels the last time the GOP had contol of both houses of Congress, they made many mistakes and turned it over to a left-wing Democratic Party who has made things even worse. He says it’s now time for Republicans to get it right. Fleming says one thing they’ll do is send improvements to the Affordable Care Act to President Obama’s desk…

CUT 4 (06)  “may get through”

Fleming says Republicans will send bills to the President and if he vetoes them, then he’ll be held accountable. He says the GOP sent nearly 400 bills to the Senate in the last Congress that were never taken up. Fleming says the new Republican controlled Congress will crank out legislation at an unprecedented rate…

CUT 5 (11)  “hand of government”

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

This year’s elections are over and coming up next in Louisiana politics will be the 2015 Governor’s race. Among the candidates currently running are Republicans US Senator David Vitter, Lt. Governor Jay Dardenne, PSC member Scott Angelle and the only Democrat in the race is state Representative John Bel Edwards. UL-Lafayette Political Science professor Pearson Cross says Vitter is most likely to make the runoff.:

CUT 6 (06)  “political spectrum”

Some have predicted that New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu, a Democrat, could consider throwing his hat in the ring for Governor but Cross doesn’t think that would happen now after his sister’s unsuccessful campaign to keep her Senate seat…:

CUT 7 (05) “statewide office”

Cross says Angelle has a strong base in Acadiana but will need to work on statewide name recognition to work into a runoff with Vitter. He says the more likely scenario is a runoff between Dardenne and Vitter but the two have different politics…:

CUT 8 (09) “conservative”

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

Louisiana’s newly elected Congressmen discuss Washington D.C. committee assignments. Congressmen-elect Garret Graves, representing the 6th District, would be the only Louisiana member sitting on the House Transportation Committee…:

CUT 9 (06)  “energy pipelines”

5th District Congressman Vance McAllister currently serves on the House Natural Resources committee but will not be returning after losing in the primary. Graves says he is going to get that spot…:

CUT 10 (07)  “Louisiana’s economy”

Congressman-elect Ralph Abraham, representing the 5th District, will likely replace McAllister on the House Agriculture Committee. Sources also say Abraham is in line for a spot on the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee. The GOP has already promised Senator-elect Bill Cassidy a seat on the Senate energy committee. He says now that Republicans have control of Congress they will be able to pass legislation that will benefit the working public…:

cut 11 (13)  “for working families”

Cassidy also says he is seeking a spot on the Senate Appropriations committee. He says there has been no accountability for federal agencies under Senate Majority leader Harry Reid which the new Congress wants to change…:

cut 12 (04) “work better”

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

State Police say an Opelousas man was killed Saturday evening when the bike he was riding was struck from behind by a pickup truck in St. Landry Parish. Master Trooper Brooks David says 55-year-old Joseph Norman was riding his bike with no lights on his bike and wearing dark clothing…

cut 13 (10) “from that crash”

He says Norman was ejected from his bike and received fatal injuries as a result. David says it’s important for cyclists, especially at night, have lights on their bikes and wear reflective clothing. Impariment is not a suspected factor in this crash. David says the driver of the truck, 69-year-old Joseph Thibodeaux of Prairieville, was uninjured in the crash…

cut 14 (08) “or Mr. Norman”

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

####Corrected version. Corrected Vadal Alexander’s position and year in school####

So now that all of the major Democratic candidates lost their elections this year, where does that leave the party going forward? Michelle Southern reports.

CUT 1 (31) “reporting”

______________________________________

Former Governor Edwin Edwards loses for the first time in a runoff election. Michelle Southern reports.

Cut 2 (29) “reporting”

______________________________________

In January, Louisiana will have two republican US Senators as a result of Billy Cassidy’s victory over Democrat Mary Landrieu in the US Senate race. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (30) “reporting”

______________________________________

So now that all of the major Democratic candidates lost their elections this year, where does that leave the party going forward? LSU Media Professor Bob Mann, who is a former Democratic staffer, says the party needs to have some serious and honest reflection…:

cut 4  (09)  “in the south”

Mann says there are many in the Democratic party who may feel that the answer is to moderate its message and start leaning more conservative. He says that’s what Mary Landrieu tried to do and it’s one of the reasons she did so poorly in the election…:

Cut 5  (10)  “here’s how we’re different”

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

Former Governor Edwin Edwards says even though he lost the election to Republican Garret Graves, his campaign in the 6th Congressional District race was not run in vain. This is the first time the 87-year-old has ever lost in a runoff. Edwards says this doesn’t mean he’s going to retire…:

Cut 6 (12)  “(laughter)”

Edwards was defeated by Graves 62-37. Edwards says he’s happy and he feels like he’s fulfilled his role in life…:

CUT 7 (08)  “not given up”

Edwards says while he was hoping for a better result, this is not unexpected…:

Cut 8 (12)  “willing to accomplish” 

___________________________________________

For the first time in 82-years, an incumbent US Senator has lost a re-election in Louisiana. Republican Congressman Bill Cassidy easily defeated three-term Democrat Mary Landrieu. Cassidy says the voters spoke loudly that they want less interference from the government

Cut 9 (10)  “to do”

Cassidy received 57-percent of the vote to Landrieu’s 43-percent. Cassidy had this message for those who have supported Landrieu throughout the years….

Cut 10 (08) “applause” 

With Cassidy’s victory, Senator Mary Landrieu’s 18-year run as US Senator is over. Landrieu says it’s been a great honor to serve the state of Louisiana

cut 11 (13)  “so much”

Many political analysts say Landrieu’s vote for the Affordable Care Act, which is unpopular in Louisiana, played a significant role in her defeat. But Landrieu says she doesn’t regret that vote

cut 12 (11)  “healthy workforce”

__________________________________________

Two new congressmen have been elected in the 5th and 6th Congressional Districts. In the 6th District, Republican Garret Graves defeated Democratic former four-term governor Edwin Edwards. Graves says this election result is an emphatic statement from the voters of Louisiana…

Cut 13 (11)  “for this country”

Graves will fill the seat left vacant by now Senator-elect Bill Cassidy. Graves feels voters are not happy with how government is working and they want that to change…

Cut 14 (12)  “for this country”

Republican political newcomer Dr. Ralph Abraham easily won in the 5th Congressional District race over Democratic Monroe Mayor Jamie Mayo. The seat was lost last month by Republican Vance McAllister. Abraham says voters in his district know he’s one of them…:

Cut 15  (09)  “so to speak”

Mayo received 35% of the vote at Abraham got 64-percent. The physician from Richland Parish says when he gets to Washington D.C. he’s going to work on bringing more jobs and infrastructure to his district…:

Cut 16  (10)  “5th District”

__________________________________________

Pathetic, terrible, horrendous, all of those adjectives describes the Saints 41-10 loss to the Carolina Panthers yesterday in the Mercedes Benz Superdome. It’s the fourth straight loss at home and the largest margin of defeat for the franchise since 2007. Saints Coach Sean Payton didn’t sugarcoat the performance when he spoke with reporters after the game

Cut 17  (10)   “it was awful”

Carolina jumped out to a 17-0 lead in the first quarter and the Saints didn’t do much to get back in the game. Payton calls it an embarrassing performance

Cut 18 (17) “it was awful”

The LSU football team will play Notre Dame in the Music City Bowl on Tuesday, December 30^th.  It’s the 15^th straight season the Tigers will play in a bowl game and it’s their first meeting against the Fighting Irish since beating them 41-13 in the 2007 Sugar Bowl. Offensive guard Vadal (vuh-Dall) Alexander is excited to face Notre Dame…

Cut 19 (18)   “play em”

Kick-off for the game is set for two PM in Nashville. It’s been a down season for Notre Dame as they are 7-and-5, but LSU defensive tackle Chrisitan LaCouture (Lock-uh-chur) says it’s exciting to play one of the most recognizable names in college football

Cut 20 (16)  “excited for the challenge”

6th Congressional District candidate Garret Graves is disputing accusations from his opponent, Former Governor Edwin Edwards, that his family gets special privileges because of Governor Bobby Jindal. Michelle Southern reports.

CUT 1 (30) “reporting”

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

A Grand Isle businessman was sentenced to 25 weekends in prison after pleading guilty to two counts of federal civil rights violations. Michelle Southern reports…

CUT 2 (30) “reporting”

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

6th Congressional District candidate Garret Graves is disputing accusations from his opponent, Former Governor Edwin Edwards, that his family gets special privileges because of Governor Bobby Jindal. The Edwards campaign has continued to tie Graves to Jindal and criticized his time as head of the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority…:

CUT 3 (13)  “the fish habitat”

Edwards has alleged that Graves was somehow involved in getting his father’s engineering firm Government contracts and making his brother-in-law the leasing agent at the Water Institute in Baton Rouge. Graves says these accusations are completely absurd…:

CUT 4 (09)  “completely baseless”

Graves made the comments on The Jim Engster Show then Edwards called in to reply. The Former Governor accuses Graves of refusing to admit he has a relationship with The Governor…:

CUT 5 (12)  “with Jindal”

Graves says he has no problem touting his 6 years when he worked for the state and says great strides were made for Louisiana’s coast during that tenure. Edwards says the Water Campus office complex will house the agency Graves once headed and there is a million square feet of space to be leased and the agent is Graves’ brother in law…:

CUT 6 (10)  “white black birds”

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

The Iberia Parish Sheriff’s Office has arrested a New Iberia man after a hostage situation. Lt. Richard Fleming says they received information that a woman was being held hostage at an apartment complex in New Iberia Thursday afternoon. He says as officers were setting up a perimeter around the apartment, the suspect, 31-year-old Thomas Chevalier attempted to leave with the victim…

CUT 7 (06) “without incident”

Fleming says the situation began the night before when Chevalier broke into the victim’s apartment prior to her arrival. He says when the victim returned home, Chevalier then battered and sexually assaulted her…

CUT 8 (09) “hostage situation”

The victim received treatment for non-life threatening injuries at a local hospital and has since been released. Fleming says Chevalier and the victim did have a relationship in the past, but the extent of that relationship is unknown at this time. He says Chevalier is facing multiple charges… (Chevalier is facing second degree battery, false imprisonment, violation of protective order, aggravated burglary, and aggravated rape charges.)

CUT 9 (06)  “aggravated rape”

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

State Police are investigating a fatal crash in Livingston Parish that has left two men dead. Trooper Jared Sandifer says 50-year-old Lloyd Hutson of Jackson was driving on LA 447 near Walker when he entered a right-hand curve…

CUT 10 (10)  “of that crash”

He says Hutson crossed the center line into the path of a car driven by 76-year-old Raymond Bender of Denham Springs. The two vehicles collided head-on and both drivers were killed as a result. Sandifer says investigating troopers believe impairment may have been a factor in this wreck…

cut 11 (04)  “under investigation”

He says impairment is suspected on the part of Hutson. Sandifer says neither Hutson nor Bender were wearing seat belts at the time of the crash. He says this is another reminder of the importance of being properly restrained while inside a motor vehicle…

cut 12 (05) “traffic crash”

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

A Grand Isle businessman was sentenced to 25 weekends in prison after pleading guilty to two counts of federal civil rights violations which occurred after Hurricane Isaac. Josh Jambon admitted to using racial slurs and striking two black female crew members who were cleaning up on Grand Isle. Loyola Law Professor Dane Ciolino says this is an unusual sentence…

cut 13 (08) “sentencing guidelines”

Jambon faced a maximum sentence of two years in prison and $200,000 in fines. US District Judge Susie Morgan also fined Jambon $10,000. Jambon pleaded guilty in July and was sentenced Thursday. Ciolino says the judge was no doubt impressed with the one-hundred or so character letters on Jambon’s behalf requesting leniency…

cut 14 (06) “acknowledged actions”

Ciolino says typically civil rights cases are brought against police or government officials and it’s rare to see a claim brought against a private individual. He says while it is unusual, given the egregious racially charged conduct and offensive battery, this case certainly fit the bill…

cut 15 (05) “in federal court”

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

With tomorrow’s election looming, everybody wants to know who is going to represent Louisiana in the new Congress next year? Jeff Palermo has the story…

CUT 1 (31) “reporting”

______________________________________

As lots of businesses will be holding their Holiday parties over the next few weeks, there are a few words to the wise. Michelle Southern reports.

Cut 2 (29) “reporting”

______________________________________

Louisiana residents who have health insurance through the Obamacare marketplace are advised to seek out cheaper policies during open enrollment. Scott Carwile reports…

Cut 3 (32) “reporting”

______________________________________

Tomorrow is election day in Louisiana. The ballot is highlighted by the US Senate race between Democratic incumbent Mary Landrieu and Republican challenger Bill Cassidy. Secretary of State Tom Schedler expects a 40-percent voter turnout for the election…

cut 4  (11)  “or six points”

He says the high early voter turnout was a nice surprise and is hopeful that voters will turn out Saturday. Schedler expects voters to be more active in the 5th and 6th Congressional districts due to those contested seats…

Cut 5  (11)  “first district”

Schedler says Saturday’s ballot will be light, with some parishes having only the Senate race to decide. He says, no matter the number of items on the ballot, it’s always important to exercise your right to vote. Since this election falls on a Saturday, Schedler says voting hours will be a little different… (Polls will be open 7AM – 8PM.)

Cut 6 (10)  “you’re voting on”

______________________________________

With tomorrow’s election looming, everybody wants to know who is going to represent Louisiana in the new Congress next year? ULM Political Science Professor Joshua Stockley says the US Senate race is Republican Bill Cassidy’s race to lose. He says Democratic incumbent Mary Landrieu’s had a lot of ground to make up since November 4th…

CUT 7 (11)  “too late”

The 5th Congressional District race features Democrat Monroe Mayor Jamie Mayo and Republican Dr. Ralph Abraham in the runoff. Stockley says the political climate in Louisiana favors Republicans, especially in the 5th District…

Cut 8 (11)  “come Saturday” 

Stockley says the 6th Congressional District race could prove to be the most interesting of the night. He says enthusiasm isn’t very high for either candidate, Republican Garret Graves or Democrat Edwin Edwards. Stockley says voter turnout could be the deciding factor here…

Cut 9 (11)  “likely to win”

______________________________________

It’s Christmas Party season and experts are passing out some important rules of etiquette when it comes to celebrating with your bosses and co-workers. Tulane business professor Dr. Mark Rosa says first and foremost you should always be careful about how much you drink…:

Cut 10 (09) “for the employee” 

Rosa says even if you just show up and stay a short time, that’s better than not making an appearance at all but you should consider the party mandatory. He says you should consider a Holiday office party an extension of the workplace — all the same rules apply…:

cut 11 (07)  “watch our behavior”

Rosa says supervisors should be particularly mindful of their behavior at work Christmas Parties. He says managers and bosses are essentially representing the company at a work function…:

cut 12 (07)  “that professionalism”

__________________________________________

Louisiana residents who have health insurance through the Obamacare marketplace are advised to seek out cheaper policies during open enrollment. Brian Burton, State Director for the Navigators for a Healthy Louisiana, says there are new choices and more competition in the Health Insurance Marketplace…

Cut 13 (09)  “for their dollars”

In Louisiana, consumers can now choose from 6 issuers in the Marketplace. Burton says United Healthcare is a new provider for this year and they’re making a big difference for consumers…

Cut 14 (09)  “better for them”

Open enrollment closes on February 15. The Department of Health and Human Services says nearly 8 in 10 current Marketplace consumers can find coverage for $100 or less, taking into account any applicable tax credits. Burton says, for returning customers, it’s a good idea to see what the Marketplace has to offer this year…

Cut 15  (08)  “for you”

__________________________________________

Louisiana Tech will face Marshall in the Conference USA Championship game on Saturday. It’s the first time the Bulldogs will play in a conference title game. In order to win, the Bulldogs will have to slow down a Thundering Herd offense that’s averaging 47 points a game. Marshall’s QB is senior Rakeem Cato and Tech Head Coach Skip Holtz says there’s a lot of talent around him

Cut 16  (10)  “they have balance”

Holtz says the conditioning could play a factor in this one, because Marshall has played some of its best football in the fourth quarter this year

Cut 17  (20)   “big plays”

The Saints will look to end a three-game losing streak at home when they host the Carolina Panthers on Sunday. Before they started this losing skid in the Dome, they won 20 straight previous games, including playoffs, played in New Orleans. Quarterback Drew Brees on trying to snap the home losing streak….

Cut 18 (08) “and practice”

The Saints go into the game with a healthy backfield as Khiry Robinson is expected back from a six-game absence because of a forearm injury. Brees says Robinson will be a nice addition to what Pierre Thomas and Mark Ingram are capable of doing

Cut 19 (14)   “is great”

The Centers for Disease Control reports a widespread outbreak of the flu in Louisiana. Eric Gill has more…

CUT 1 (31) “reporting”

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

Louisiana has petitioned the US Supreme Court to hear an appeal of Louisiana’s ban on gay marriage before a federal appeals court rules. Eric Gill has more…

CUT 2 (30) “reporting”

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

In an interivew with an LSU journalism student on Tiger TV, Republican Congressman Bill Cassidy says he supports over-the-counter sales of birth control. Cassidy says he’s going along with the recommendation made by the College of Obstetrics and Gynecology

CUT 3 (08)  “over the counter”

Cassidy has been endorsed by pro-life groups, but on the issue of birth control, based on this interview with a Tiger TV reporter, he backs the sale of over the counter birth control…

CUT 4 (05)  “with that”

Cassidy’s was asked by the Tiger TV reporter whether the government should make it easier for young, sexually active people to get birth control.  The Congressman said yes based on a recommendation from doctors who care for women…

CUT 5 (12)  “at all”

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

The Centers for Disease Control reports a widespread outbreak of the flu in Louisiana. In fact, Louisiana is the only state in the Continental US with widespread flu cases. Dr. Frank Welch, with the state Department of Health and Hospitals, says it’s not a designation the state wants, but we appear to be leading the pack…

CUT 6 (10)  “in Louisiana”

Welch says about five percent of all doctor visits in the state are for flu like symptoms. He says the CDC has found that the predominant strain of flu, H3N2, has mutated slightly and is now not exactly matched with the vaccine. Welch says this doesn’t mean that the vaccine won’t work…

CUT 7 (10) “get that vaccine”

Welch still recommends you get a flu shot as it’s the best way to protect yourself against the flu, even though it isn’t 100-percent perfect. And Welch says it’s important to remember that everybody in Louisiana who gets the flu, got it from someone else…

CUT 8 (10) “from the flu”

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

Louisiana has petitioned the US Supreme Court to hear an appeal of Louisiana’s ban on gay marriage before a federal appeals court rules. Special counsel Kyle Duncan filed the request this week. Tulane Constitutional Law Professor, Keith Werhan (wer-HAN), says the state may think that this issue is on the fast track to being decided in the Supreme Court…

CUT 9 (11)  “the Supreme Court”

Federal Judge Martin Feldman upheld Louisiana’s ban on same-sex marriage earlier this year. The 5th Circuit Court of Appeals is scheduled to hear the appeal January 9th. Werhan thinks side-stepping the appeals court may not be the right move…

CUT 10 (09)  “court of appeals”

Last month, the 6th Circuit Court of Appeals upheld gay marriage bans in Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and Tennessee. Werhan says, now that there is a circuit split on the issue, Louisiana wants to make sure their case is heard in the nation’s highest court…

cut 11 (08)  “5th Circuit”

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

The Rapides Parish Sheriff’s office says a staff member at Red River Academy in Lecompte is under arrest for allegedly trying to rape a female teenage student. Lt. Tommy Carnline says the local police station requested deputy assistance into a criminal sexual conduct allegation at the residential-type school…:

cut 12 (06) “with her”

Carnline says their detectives began their investigation into the complaint by the young woman…:

cut 13 (09) “of Cheneyville”

Carnline says they were able to obtain enough probable cause to issue arrest warrants for 36-year-old Charles Allen of Cheneyville…:(Allen was arrested for 1 count of sexual battery, one count of attempted forcible rape and 1 count of prohibited sexual conduct between educator and student. He is being held in lieu of $55,000 bond.)

cut 14 (09) “and a student”

State Police has teamed up with the state Office of Motor Vehicles to implement the “Parents Supervised Driving Program”. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 1 (30) “reporting”

______________________________________

A telephone poll on the sixth District Congressional runoff shows Republican Garret Graves with a six-percentage point lead over Democrat Edwin Edwards. Scott Carwile has more…

Cut 2 (30) “reporting”

______________________________________

New early childhood licensing rules have been approved by the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education for child care centers. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (28) “reporting”

______________________________________

State Police has teamed up with the state Office of Motor Vehicles to implement the “Parents Supervised Driving Program”, an effort to prevent teen motor vehicle crashes through education and awareness of teen driving restrictions. President of Safe Roads Alliance, Jeff Larason, says the program provides parents with more information so they can do a better job with their teens while they have their learner’s permit…

cut 4  (07)  “their license”

Parents of teens receiving learner’s permits will receive this free guide with information and lessons on driving basics, parental pointers, and licensing qualifications. Louisiana requires at least 50 hours of parental supervised driving for those with learner’s permits. Larason says the more parental driving supervision, the better…

Cut 5  (10)  “will go down”

Last year, 189 young drivers were killed in crashes across Louisiana and almost 19,000 were injured. Sgt. Nick Manale is hopeful this new program will decrease those numbers…

Cut 6 (11)  “to be safe”

______________________________________

In the final days before Saturday’s election, a new poll on the 6th District Congressional race shows Republican Garrett Graves with 53-percent of the vote while Democratic former governor Edwin Edwards has 47-percent. The Glascock Group surveyed 532 voters from across the district. Pollster Darrell Glascock says Edwards’ numbers are surprising.

CUT 7 (06)  “this thing happen”

Glascock feels recent television ads that Edwards began running may be helping his numbers. Glascock says Saturday’s election result could come down to voter turnout…

Cut 8 (04)  “this election” 

He thinks if Edwards can get his voters to turn out, he has a chance of winning. But Glascock says, right now, Graves is sitting on a decent lead heading into Saturday…

Cut 9 (06)  “any mistakes”

______________________________________

For a fourth straight season, the UL-Lafayette Football team has accepted an invitation to play in the R and L Carriers New Orleans Bowl which will be played Saturday December 20th. The voice of the Ragin Cajuns Jay Walker says their fans are always fired up about heading to the Big Easy…:

Cut 10 (12) “New Orleans, LA” 

Walker says the only thing some fans aren’t terribly thrilled about is the 10am kickoff…:

cut 11 (10)  “always have”

UL-Lafayette will likely have to wait until Sunday Sunday to find out who they will play. Walker says it could either be a team from Mountain West or Conference USA…:

cut 12 (09)  “gonna be Rice”

__________________________________________

The Board of Elementary and Secondary Education approves new licensing rules for childcare centers and preschool programs. The regulations include a provision that require one teacher for every 11 two-year-olds at a child care center. Melanie Bronfin, executive director of the Policy Institute for Children in New Orleans, wishes it was a lower

Cut 13 (11)  “high ratios”

BESE didn’t want a lower staffer ratio, because it would drive up tuition costs. But Bronfin argues it’s not safe or good for the children to have one adult watch over as many as 11 two-year-olds at one time…

Cut 14 (08)  “our children”

But Bronfin is pleased BESE approved a rule that requires employees of child care centers to participate annual training and professional development. She says all employees and volunteers at the child care facility must go through a fingerprint-based criminal background check as well…

Cut 15  (08)  “have been checked”

__________________________________________

State Police say a Donaldsonville man was killed last night when his vehicle crashed into a dump truck in a construction zone in Ascension Parish. Eric Gill has more…

CUT 1 (30) “reporting”

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

A formal complaint has been filed with the Office of Congressional Ethics over accusations that Republican Congressman Bill Cassidy double dipped. Jeff Palermo has the story…

CUT 2 (32) “reporting”

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

Former Democratic Governor Edwin Edwards and Republican Garret Graves debated each other for the first time last night in the 6th Congressional District runoff. Not surprisingly the two went after each other. Graves called out the former convicted felon on his past and said Louisiana deserves a better future…:

CUT 3 (09)  “worse in the nation”

Edwards says the state needs a politician in Washington D.C. who knows their way around…:

CUT 4 (09)  “make things work”

Graves says Louisianians don’t have the state they deserve and it’s time to start moving in the right direction. Edwards responded by linking his opponent to the Governor…:

CUT 5 (08)  “(laughter)”

The big controversy came when Graves announced he’s been endorsed by The Sheriff’s Association which Edwards called a lie. A spokesperson for the group did say they held a meeting and voted to endorse Graves, but not all members from the 6th District were present. Graves says Louisiana needs to look forward, not back…:

CUT 6 (10)  “out of the way”

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

State Police say a Donaldsonville man was killed last night when his vehicle crashed into a dump truck in a construction zone in Ascension Parish. Trooper Jared Sandifer says 42-year-old Kirt Canova ignored a flag man who was attempting to control traffic in a construction zone on LA 30…

CUT 7 (07) “construction materials”

Canova struck the dump truck head-on and suffered fatal injuries as a result of the crash. Sandifer says this is the second incident in this particular construction zone. He says impairment is not suspected in this crash…

CUT 8 (08) “the investigation”

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

State Police report that two people are dead after a crash in Tensas Parish. Trooper Michael Reichardt says 95-year-old Ralph Cooper of Newellton was driving his truck along LA 4 yesterday afternoon…

CUT 9 (04)  “head-on”

He says Cooper’s truck struck a Mack truck loaded with gravel head-on. Cooper and his passenger, 90-year-old Jewel Lee also of Newellton, were pronounced dead at the scene. Reichardt says officers spoke to a witness who was driving behind Cooper’s truck…

CUT 10 (07)  “that Mack truck”

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

A complaint has been filed with the Office of Congressional Ethics, urging them to look into allegations whether Republican Bill Cassidy violated House rules and federal law for receiving compensation from the LSU health system that he didn’t perform. UL Lafayette Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says an investigation is likely…

cut 11 (08)  “is   over”

Cassidy is in a heated Senate race with Democrat Mary Landrieu, who faced an ethics complaint in September, after it was learned her office used taxpayer dollars to pay for charter flights for campaign events.  Cross says ethics complaints and politics go hand and hand sometimes

cut 12 (11) “even up the score”

The Democratic party and Landrieu are making a big deal over these accusations that Cassidy may have double dipped, while serving in Congress and working for a doctor at LSU. Cross says it’s a serious allegation, but not enough to prevent Cassidy from winning Saturday’s election

cut 13 (04) “this case”

Tourism leaders are looking to capitalize on the increasing trend of international tourists visiting Louisiana. Scott Carwile reports…

CUT 1 (29) “reporting”

______________________________________

After a community effort to save 13 Live Oak Trees along Highway 182 in Jeanerette that were set to be cut down for safety reasons, the Department of Transportation says they’ve come up with a new plan. Michelle Southern reports.

Cut 2 (32) “reporting”

______________________________________

Rumors of Les Miles leaving LSU for Michigan are back again. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 3 (28) “reporting”

______________________________________

Tourism leaders are looking to capitalize on the increasing trend of international tourists visiting Louisiana. Lt. Governor Jay Dardenne says they have been very aggressive in marketing Louisiana to international visitors and those efforts are definitely paying off…

cut 4  (10)  “those efforts”

He says the state had an 18-percent increase in international visitors last year, the highest increase of any state in the nation according to the National Travel and Tourism Office. Dardenne says there are an increasing number of visitors from Brazil and Australia coming to Louisiana and there will be an effort to get more tourist from those countries to come to the Bayou State…

Cut 5  (05)  “more effective”

The top four international markets for Louisiana tourism are Canada, UK, Germany, and France. Dardenne says international tourists are great for Louisiana because they typically stay longer and spend more money…

Cut 6 (09)  “prosperous industry”

______________________________________

After a community effort to save 13 Live Oak Trees along Highway 182 in Jeanerette that were set to be cut down for safety reasons, the Department of Transportation says they’ve come up with a new plan. DOTD spokesman Rodney Mallett says the oaks are interfering with a measure that requires a 10 foot space between the road and any obstacle..:

CUT 7 (12)  “the safety needs”

The stretch extends 4.73 miles between the Iberia Parish line to La 670 in St. Mary Parish. Governor Bobby Jindal asked DOTD to preserve the trees because of their importance to the parish and the state. Mallett says they worked out new ways to help restore the ride quality of the roadway like adding signage and rumble striping…:

Cut 8 (09)  “and safely” 

Certain members of the Atchafalaya National Wildlife Refuge rallied residents in support of saving the trees. DOTD had flagged the area due to a high number of crashes on the stretch over the last several years in which drivers were running off the road. Mallett says they realize the historical significance of the trees along the scenic byway…:

Cut 9 (11)  “happy”

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Louisiana Tech is one of the five universities nationwide to receive a one-point-four million dollar grant to produce more secondary math and science teachers. The grant money comes from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. Louisiana Tech’s interim dean of the College of Education, Doctor Don Schillinger, says they are very excited about this.

Cut 10 (09) “across the region.” 

Schillinger says the grant is for a five year time period but he hopes their teacher preparation will remain sustainable for many years to come.

cut 11 (08)  “a long time.”

Schillinger says this grant focuses on the STEM area of education, which means science, technology, engineering and math. He says because of the curriculum, the university has created many partnerships with local school districts to ensure the students get field experience.

cut 12 (10)  “actual content areas.”

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The Les Miles to Michigan rumors are back. That’s because Miles’ alma mater, Michigan, is searching for a new football coach after firing Brady Hoke. LSU beat reporter for Gannett Newspapers, Glen Guilbeau, says Miles has been offered the Michigan job two previous times and said no and will likely say no again, if offered a third time.

Cut 13 (12)  “at best.”

Guilbeau says Miles won’t consider taking the job. He says Miles doesn’t want to leave LSU because of the young players and another great recruiting class for the upcoming season.

Cut 14 (13)  “20 years ago.”

Michigan went 5 and 7 this season. And Guilbeau says it will take a lot of hard work to get Michigan to become a title contender again, while LSU is closer to competing for national titles.

Cut 15  (08)  “coming in.”

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Efforts to keep a pit bull named Zeus in Moreauville from being separated from the family that owns him came to a happy conclusion for the family last night. Eric Gill has the story…

CUT 1 (29) “reporting”

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Democratic US Senator Mary Landrieu and her republican challenger Bill Cassidy engaged in a spirited debate last night. Jeff Palermo has the story…

CUT 2 (25) “reporting”

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Efforts to keep a pit bull named Zeus in Moreauville from being separated from the family that owns him came to a happy conclusion for the family last night. The Moreauville town council voted to lift their controversial “vicious dog” ordinance that would ban pit bulls and rottweilers from the town. Mayor Timmy Lemoine says they’re glad to get this issue behind them…

CUT 3 (08)  “been mayor”

Zeus’ owners have become the face of a movement to end breed specific legislation. Lemoine says the ordinance was repealed after receiving several phone calls and pressure from the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals…

CUT 4 (11)  “shut down”

The issue made national news when Zeus was threatened to be removed from his home where he helps care for children with special needs. An online petition to save Zeus has received over 340,000 signatures. Lemoine says the town now will adopt the Louisiana state statute in regard to dangerous dogs…

CUT 5 (08)  “state statute”

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The Grant Parish Sheriff’s office says the 85-year-old Pollock woman who was viciously mauled by dogs last week died last night. Sheriff Steve Martin says they got a frantic call last Wednesday evening from Bobbie Cheveallier’s (shuh-VAHL-yay) neighbor…:

CUT 6 (10)  “scare them away”

Martin says nobody witnessed the attack. He says the neighbor heard screaming and found Cheveallier on the ground and two “wolf-type” dogs were near her…:

CUT 7 (09) “both of her legs”

Martin says they had asked the community to donate blood for Cheveallier, but she tragically succumbed to her injuries Monday evening. He says they are still working to locate the dogs that attacked Cheveallier…:

CUT 8 (11) “for this”

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It was a feisty Senate debate last night between democratic incumbent Mary Landrieu and republican challenger Bill Cassidy.  Landrieu attacked Cassidy for receiving taxpayer dollars for work as an LSU physician that he allegedly did not fully earn. While Cassidy continued to hammer Landrieu for supporting President Obama’s agenda. UL Lafayette Political Science Professor Pearson Cross

CUT 9 (10)  “in others”

Cross says no knock-out blows were delivered, which means Cassidy is still the favorite to win Saturday’s election….

CUT 10 (11)  “Louisiana politics”

Cross says there was no new ground broken between the two candidates, as the Baton Rouge Congressman focused on Landrieu’s support of President Obama’s agenda, while the Senator counter with claims that Cassidy was paid for work as an LSU physician that he didn’t earn

cut 11 (08)  “at all“

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A state audit of Grambling State University revealed equipment thefts totaling more than $130,000. Legislative Auditor Bradley Cryer says, in this case, it was the university that actually found that items had been taken from some of its buildings…

cut 12 (08) “and fixtures”

One person has been arrested in connection with the thefts. Cryer says the items stolen were plumbing units, air conditioners, and hot water heaters; things that were being sold for scrap metal. He says they have recommended that the school install new procedures to limit the key access to facilities that are vacant…

cut 13 (08) “in the future”

School management has outlined a plan to increase security and Cryer is optimistic that Grambling can cut down the number of thefts of university property…

cut 14 (05) “a good track”

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Analysts are reporting there’s a chance gas prices could drop below $2 a gallon in Louisiana. Scott Carwile has more…

CUT 1 (29) “reporting”

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The debate between Democratic US-Senator Mary Landrieu and Republican Congressman Bill Cassidy last night was quite heated. Michelle Southern reports.

Cut 2 (32) “reporting”

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Falling oil prices might be beneficial for motorists who have to fill up their vehicle on a regular basis, but it puts a strain on the state budget. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (30) “reporting”

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Analysts are reporting there’s a chance gas prices could drop below $2 a gallon in Louisiana. Gasbuddy-dot-com’s Gregg Laskoski says, in light of recent events, he could see some station’s price dropping below $2, but is skeptical that the statewide average will drop that low…

cut 4  (11)  “a gallon”

He says OPEC’s announcement that they would not reduce their oil output saw crude oil prices fall below $70 per barrel. Laskoski says wholesale gas prices are declining significantly and that’s good news for consumers…

Cut 5  (07)  “welcomed timing”

Laskoski says you could expect to see gas prices drop another 15 to 20 cents a gallon over the next couple of weeks if crude oil prices stay as low as they are. He says the first quarter of the year typically brings price increases because of refineries switching from winter to summer blend…

Cut 6 (09)  “have anticipated”

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The St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s office says they are still looking for two men they believe abducted and shot a woman on Thanksgiving Day. Spokesman Sergeant Clay Higgins says the victim reported she left her house that morning to walk to a nearby store when she accepted a ride from the suspects…:

CUT 7 (11)  “didn’t work out that way”

Higgins says the 49-year-old Opelousas woman thought the men offering the ride were just being friendly on the Thanksgiving morning in her own neighborhood known as “The Hill.” However, he says they did not take her where she wanted to go…:

Cut 8 (09)  “attacked her” 

Higgins says the woman told cops she tried to jump out of the car window and began screaming when one of the men hit her in the face with a gun and told her to be quiet…:

Cut 9 (11)  “and she was hit”

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In the final debate of the year, Democratic US-Senator Mary Landrieu and Republican Congressman Bill Cassidy brought out the big guns. The incumbent began by addressing the allegations claiming Cassidy was “double billing” by getting paid by the LSU Health Sciences Center for work he did not perform. Landrieu says there is no record of the work:

Cut 10 (13) “any records” 

Landrieu continues to come under fire for using tax payer money to fund personal campaign charter flights. She calls the matter a bookkeeping error that has been paid back and is a much smaller issue than Cassidy’s alleged double subsidies…:

cut 11 (08)  “doctor for himself”

Cassidy says the claim that he wasn’t working at the LSU hospital while he was working in Congress is completely false. He says it wouldn’t be unusual for him to do a liver biopsy in the morning, then fly to D.C. and vote that evening…:

cut 12 (11)  “with LSU”

Cassidy says Landrieu’s charter flight situation was against the law and also violated a strict code of Senate ethics. He says what he does is help the poor and uninsured…:

Cut 13 (09)  “who did that benefit”

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Oil prices are down to 70-dollars a barrel which is not good for the state’s budget, because it means lower revenues from severance taxes and mineral royalties. Chief economist for the Louisiana Fiscal office, Greg Albrecht, says they already adjusted the state’s revenue picture downward…

Cut 14 (11)  “that point”

Albrecht says if oil prices keep trading for about 70-dollars a barrel for a lengthy period of time, it will cost the state millions of dollars in revenues…

Cut 15  (10)  “revenue flow”

Albrect says the Revenue Estimating Conference will likely meet again next month to assess the situation. He says if oil prices don’t rebound, state leaders will have to reduce future spending even more…

Cut 16  (05)  “tough decisions”

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Three Louisiana college football teams are eligible to go bowling this year. LSU, UL Lafayette and Louisiana Tech will find out their bowl destination this weekend, if not earlier. Jerry Palm, with C-B-S-sports-dot-com, says he expects the Tigers to play the Texas Longhorns in the Texas Bowl, which will take place Monday, December 29th in Houston

Cut 17  (09)   “for them”

Palm expects the Ragin Cajuns will make a fourth straight appearance in the New Orleans Bowl….

Cut 18 (17) “projected here”

Louisiana Tech plays this Saturday against Marshall in the Conference USA Championship game. Palm says if the Bulldogs win, they could play in the Heart of Dallas Bowl against a team from the Big Ten

Cut 19 (13)   “Conference USA games”