A group of people in St. John Parish have constructed a “Hands up!” bonfire on the Mississippi River West Bank. Michelle Southern reports.

CUT 1 (31) “reporting”

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Baton Rouge Police say the search for 4-year-old Jassiah Clark came to a sad end last night when the boy’s body was found in a deep hole less than 10 yards from his home. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 2 (31) “reporting”

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A traffic stop near Hammond lead State Police to arrest a Texas man for transporting illegal narcotics. 37-year old Matthew Llanas is accused of transporting marijuana from Texas to Atlanta. Trooper Greg Marchand says while Llanas was stopped for a traffic violation, he began displaying some suspicious behavior. He says at that point, officers requested a K-9 unit to assist…

CUT 3 (10)  “200-thousand dollars”

A subsequent search of Llanas’ vehicle turned up approximately 200 pounds of marijuana with a street value of about $200,000. Marchand says Llanas was booked into the Tangipahoa Parish Jail in Amite…

CUT 4 (08)  “is marijuana”

Llanas is charged with possession with intent to distribute marijuana, as well as a traffic violation of improper lane usage. Marchand says State Police will continue to use proactive enforcement to target drug trafficking organizations…

CUT 5 (06)  “constant commitment”

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

A group of people in St. John Parish have constructed a “Hands up!” bonfire on the Mississippi River West Bank. The structure, which is a reaction to a grand jury’s decision not to indict the cop in Ferguson who shot and killed Michael Brown, is built across from Harold LaGrange’s home in Lucy. He says they construct a creative bonfire every Christmas Eve..:

CUT 6 (08)  “really trending right now”

LaGrange says they’ve been getting a lot of support from the community. He says he’s appalled by Brown’s killing but the bonfire is in no way meant to be negative…:

CUT 7 (09) “educating them at home”

Lagrange says they will light the bonfire at about 7pm tomorrow night. He says they want to get people talking about what happened and teach their children that police are there to protect you…:

CUT 8 (09) “not about being negative”

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

Baton Rouge Police say the search for 4-year-old Jassiah Clark came to a sad end last night when the boy’s body was found in a deep hole less than 10 yards from his home. Sgt. Mary Ann Godawa (ga-DOW-wa) says last night officers were doing a follow up search in the neighborhood where Clark was last seen…

CUT 9 (11)  “body of Jassiah”

The boy’s body was found in a deep hole, which was filled with dirt and water, in a vacant lot behind the child’s home. Godawa says recent rains camouflaged the hole …

CUT 10 (08)  “a muddy area”

That hole was an old, abandoned sewer pump station site that had been backfilled earlier this year. She says more will be known after an autopsy is completed. Around one hundred officers from different agencies, including the FBI, were involved with the search and Godawa says this case really affected them…

cut 11 (08)  “real tragic ending”

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

Time is running out to get your Christmas shopping done. For many last minute shoppers, gift cards are the way to go. But Chair of the Louisiana Tech Marketing Department, Barry Babin, says when it comes to gift cards, people either love them or hate them. He says some people feel obligated to use a gift card and it’s kind of a pain to receive…

cut 12 (09) “they really need”

But Babin says to not underestimate the will of last minute Christmas shopper. He says many of those with the job of getting those final Christmas gifts will go through the effort of working their way through the crowds and getting meaningful presents…

cut 13 (09) “on Christmas Day”

And if you have to fight the crowds in the final hours of Christmas shopping, Babin says you can still get some great deals. He says, by this time in the shopping season, many retailers have already started their post-Christmas sales…

cut 14 (08) “they don’t like”

According to the American Automobile Association, a record 98.6 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more away from home over the next two weeks.  Scott Carwile reports…

CUT 1 (27) “reporting”

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The flu outbreak in Louisiana that was already bad, is becoming even more widespread and just in time for the Holidays. Michelle Southern reports.

Cut 2 (25) “reporting”

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The St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s office says two men are under arrest accused of selling weed out of their snoball stand. Michelle Southern reports…:

Cut 3 (30) “reporting”

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State Climatologist Barry Keim says the Bayou State is in for a round of severe weather today. He says a cold front is tracking across Louisiana and rainfall could range from under a quarter inch in the northwest portion of the state, to up over three inches in southeast Louisiana.

cut 4  (10)  “their billing”

Keim says the entire state is at risk for thunderstorms, damaging winds, possibly an isolated tornado and hail…:

Cut 5  (10)  “colder weather”

Keim says the good news is that all of this nasty weather will be out of the way for Christmas Eve and Christmas day but it will be much colder outside…:

Cut 6 (11)  “Christmas Day”

______________________________________

According to the American Automobile Association, a record 98.6 million Americans will hit the road during the year-end holiday period. AAA spokesman Don Redman says that’s a four-percent increase from last year…

CUT 7 (09)  “Christmas/New Year’s holiday”

The year-end holiday period is defined as today through Sunday, January 4th. Redman says this uptick in travel can be attributed to increasing disposable income and consumer confidence…

Cut 8 (12)  “Christmas holiday travel” 

Travelers are expected to pay the lowest gas prices since 2009. Nearly 91-percent of travelers will take a road trip to celebrate the holidays. Redman says the calendar is definitely playing a role in the increased holiday travel this year…

Cut 9 (09)  “they’re utilizing it”

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The flu outbreak in Louisiana that was already bad, is becoming even more widespread and just in time for the Holidays. Dr. Frank Welch, medical director of the Louisiana Office of Public Health, says this is one of the worst seasons for influenza he has ever seen…:

Cut 10 (08) “in the thick of it” 

Welch says a whopping six out of every 100 doctor visits in Louisiana are because of influenza-like illnesses. He says it’s spreading from person to person so the more people that are infected, the more likely it is they are going to give it to somebody else…:

cut 11 (10) “worse and worse”

Welch says one of the reasons we’re seeing such a bad outbreak this season is because the strain H3N2 is what’s going around and it’s not covered in this year’s flu shot. He says that should not discouraging you from getting the flu shot because it will still be better than no protection at all. Welch says nobody wants to give the gift of the flu this Christmas.:

cut 12 (05)  “don’t wanna do that”

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The St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s office says two men are under arrest accused of selling weed out of their snoball stand. Sgt. Clay Higgins says they had been getting complaints from the community about the T&E Soul Food and Sno-Ball stand in Opelousas. He says the narcotics enforcement team gathered enough evidence to obtain a search warrant…:

Cut 13 (08)  “each man”

Higgins says 37-year-old Jermaine Doucet and 32-year-old Bryant Fields, both from Opelousas, were caught selling a side dish of “Hydro” marijuana to customers…:

Cut 14 (07)  “grown and cultivated”

The charges on each man include possessing marijuana and transaction involving proceeds from drug offenses. Higgins says this story is especially disturbing because hundreds of children passed the Hydro weed Sno-Ball stand every day…:

Cut 15  (09)  “Catholic church”

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The Saints are out of playoff contention, which makes this Sunday’s game against Tampa Bay meaningless in the minds of many fans. But Coach Sean Payton anticipates his players will prepare as if they are fighting for a playoff spot

Cut 16  (15)    understand that ”  

With the Saints missing out on the playoffs for the third time since 2008, changes are likely to occur with the roster. Payton says games like this Sunday are part of the evaluation process, when it comes to determining who should return next season..

Cut 17  (14)   “on film”

Payton says it is disappointing to have to play a game, knowing you can’t get into the playoffs…

Cut 18 (16) “those emotions”

Now that winter has officially begun, lots of folks may start experiencing Holiday Blues. Michelle Southern reports.

CUT 1 (30) “reporting”

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The State Fire Marshall’s Office is still investigating what caused a fire that killed twin two-year-old girls in Alexandria on Saturday. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 2 (28) “reporting”

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Baton Rouge Police are currently looking for a suspect accused of sexually assaulting a 7-year-old girl after taking her from a local park. Sgt. Mary Ann Godawa (ga-DOW-wa) says the incident happened on December 13 when the girl was lured near the car of the suspect…

CUT 3 (08)  “sexually assaulted”

Godawa says the suspect forced the girl into the car and drove her to another location where the assault took place. She says the suspect is described as a black male, approximately 6 feet tall with a medium to heavyset build. Godawa says information is limited at this time, but detectives have been working non-stop to find this suspect…

CUT 4 (11)  “release any information”

She says they are also searching for a gold or tan four-door Nissan Maxima that was seen around the park at the time of the incident. Godawa asks anyone with information on this case to please contact Crime Stoppers…

CUT 5 (07)  “to anyone else”

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

Now that winter has officially begun, lots of folks may start experiencing Holiday Blues. Michele Many (Main-EEE), a clinical social worker with the LSU Department of Psychiatry says it’s very common to become depressed during the Christmas season. She says this happens, in part, because we’re getting less UV exposure due to the shorter winter days…:

CUT 6 (11)  “have more of it”

Many says if there have been some losses during the year, Christmas can be a painful reminder that a person isn’t here with us. She also says other people may have sadness around the fact that they don’t get a long with certain family members or relationships are a little strained…:

CUT 7 (12) “Steve Scalise”

Many says one of the best ways you can battle the “bah humbugs” is to take care of yourself physically and try not set standards that are impossible to live up to. She says the Holidays are a prime time people develop impractical views about what our life should look like…:

CUT 8 (09) “unrealistic expectation”

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

The State Fire Marshall’s Office is still investigating what caused a fire that killed twin two-year-old girls in Alexandria on Saturday. Firefighters responded to the deadly blaze just before 2:30 Saturday afternoon. Fire Marshal Butch Browning says this is still a very active investigation…

CUT 9 (07)  “in the home”

He says they do not have a conclusive cause of the blaze at this time. The children were at home with their father when the fire broke out. Browning says firefighters were able to remove the children, named Annaya and Makaya, from the home…

CUT 10 (10)  “from the fire”

Autopsies are pending on both girls. Browning says it will be after the Christmas holiday before the investigation is complete. It is unknown at this time if the home had working smoke detectors. Browning says it appears the fire started near a bedroom…

cut 11 (08)  “the fire, together”

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

Over one-hundred workers at a processing plant near New Iberia that produces yams will have to find new work. McCall Farms told employees at the facility they are shutting operations down in south Louisiana and moving all sweet potato processing to a plant in South Carolina. Mike Tarantino is the director of the Iberia Industrial Development Foundation

cut 12 (11) “will be necessary”

Tarantino says about 140 people work at the plant, most of those are seasonal employees. He says the state is assisting the soon to be laid off workers…

cut 13 (10) “be affected”

An exact date on when the facility will close has not been given, but it’s expected to occur early next year. Tarantino is hopeful the workers at the plant will find other job opportunities soon…

cut 14 (07) “quickly”

It’s the first full day of winter. Michelle Southern tells us if we can expect cold and freezing precipitation like last winter…:

CUT 1 (25) “reporting”

______________________________________

A new Southern Media and Opinion Research poll shows Republican Senator David Vitter’s change in position on Common Core will benefit him. Scott Carwile reports…

Cut 2 (30) “reporting”

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Here in the final days of 2014, there are some things taxpayers can do to help them financially. Michelle Southern reports.

Cut 3 (30) “reporting”

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Today is the first full day of winter and many have not forgotten last year’s winter, which saw colder than normal temperatures and a few rounds of frozen precipitation.  State Climatologist Barry Keim says the climate prediction center’s forecast for the next three months indicates we could see a repeat..:

cut 4  (07)  “normal rainfall”

Keim says the wildcard right now is the El Nino which has been in the forecast for a while, but hasn’t formed yet. He says the climate prediction center is giving the system a 60% chance of forming sometime this winter…:

Cut 5  (10)  “the rain chances”

Keim says if the El Nino does form the way they think it will this winter, we’ll get more rain and even possibly some freezing rain like we saw last winter…:

Cut 6 (12)  “above normal”

______________________________________

A new poll shows that Republican Senator David Vitter’s change in position on Common Core is popular with voters. Vitter announced earlier this month he opposes the new educational testing standards and a Southern Media and Opinion Research survey found that 64-percent agree with Vitter. Pollster Bernie Pinsonat says Vitter made the right move, politically…

CUT 7 (08)  “with Common Core”

Pinsonat says opposing Common Core will help Vitter in his quest to become Louisiana’s next governor. He says the testing standards will be a main issue in the governor’s race…

Cut 8 (09)  “in Louisiana” 

Another Republican gubernatorial candidate, Lt. Governor Jay Dardenne, says he supports the controversial education standards. Pinsonat says Common Core will make next year’s race interesting…

Cut 9 (11)  “will be Common Core”

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Here in the final days of 2014, there are some things taxpayers can do to put them in a better financial position in 2015. John Theriot is an accountant with the Louisiana Society of CPAs and he says business owners should accelerate expenses, because anything they can pay before year’s end will get the 2014 deduction.:

Cut 10 (09) “should do that” 

Theriot says now would also be a good time to let your employer know you want to up your contribution on your 401K or change your filing status on your W4. He says before the new year, you also might want to think about making charitable donations, so you can deduct it on your 2014 tax form…

cut 11 (10) “deduction also”

Theriot says if know you’ll have a big federal or state tax bill in the spring, you can begin paying those taxes off…

cut 12 (10)  “file your return”

______________________________________

The LSU Tigers are back at practice this week as they continue preparations to play Notre Dame in the Music City Bowl. Even though the Bayou Bengals have some extra time to prepare for this game, Coach Les Miles says don’t expect many changes when it comes to game planning for this game

Cut 13 (19)  “game day”

The other issue hanging around the LSU football program….Is how many underclassmen will leave for the NFL? There’s a report LSU cornerback Jalen Collins plans to forgo his senior season and enter the NFL draft, but Miles is optimistic they won’t see as many juniors leaving for the pros early as previous seasons

Cut 14 (17)  “football team”

______________________________________________

For the fourth straight season, the Ragin Cajuns have ended the year by winning the R-and-L Carriers New Orleans Bowl. U-L Lafayette defeated Nevada 16-3 on Saturday in the Mercedes Benz Superdome. Coach Mark Hudspeth has now led the Cajuns to four straight…nine-win seasons

Cut 15  (21)  “solid defense”

Senior quarterback Terrance Broadway set the tone early as he completed his first 14 passes, which is an NCAA Division One bowl record. Broadway finished with 227 yards passing and a touchdown in his final game as a Cajun

Cut 16  (15)    next level”  

_____________________________________________

Louisiana Tech holds its first practice in Dallas today leading up to its game against Illinois in the Zaxby’s Heart of Dallas bowl. Bulldogs Coach Skip Holtz says the team is looking forward to bowl week preparations…

Cut 17  (20)   “work done”

Holtz says the message to his team is that playing in a bowl game is great, but winning it, is even better…

Cut 18 (17) “uniform”

________________________________________________________

The Saints had a chance to win the NFC South on Sunday, but instead the Black and Gold’s season came to an end with a bitter 30-14 loss to the Atlanta Falcons. What makes it hurt even more is that, New Orleans finishes the year with five straight losses at the Dome. Coach Sean Payton on the lack of wins at home this year

Cut 19 (14)   “pretty obvious”

The loss reflected the Saints disappointing season. They had four turnovers and the defense had trouble getting off the field on third down and ended up allowing Atlanta quarterback Matt Ryan to throw for 322 yards. It’s the first time a Payton coached team has missed the playoffs since 2008

Cut 20 (09)  “consistently enough”

A group called Senate Conservatives Action is sponsoring radio ads that target Republican Metairie Congressman Steve Scalise. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 1 (30) “reporting”

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

New employment numbers are out and Louisiana’s labor force grew to a record 2,179,837 in November. Michelle Southern reports.

CUT 2 (29) “reporting”

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The fall shrimping season comes to a close on some state waters Monday and shrimper are calling this an average season for fishermen. Daren Martin, owner of Martin’s Fresh Shrimp in Chauvin, says this was a fair season for shrimpers…

CUT 3 (12)  “rather abruptly”

Martin says there were those early cold fronts that came through the state, but the water stayed in the marsh allowing shrimpers to continue to work. He says he’s seen better seasons and worse seasons…

CUT 4 (06)  “seasons have”

Martin says the price of shrimp fluctuated a bit during the fall season, but, on average, was a little better than they are used to getting. He says, now that shrimpers will have to go into the Gulf of Mexico to get shrimp, consumers should expect to see a bit of a price hike…

CUT 5 (07)  “and whatnot”

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

A group called Senate Conservatives Action is sponsoring radio ads that target Republican Metairie Congressman Steve Scalise. The ads accuse Scalise of siding with President Obama instead of standing on the conservative platform. LaPolitics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford says this attack stems from the Congressman’s efforts to help pass a $1.1 trillion dollar spending bill…

CUT 6 (12)  “from shutting down”

Alford says this is interesting since Scalise was able to capture the whip position because he was a favorite of the tea party movement, where the Senate Conservatives Action finds its roots. He says there is a bit of political intrigue here as this group supported Rob Maness in his run for the US Senate…

CUT 7 (05) “Steve Scalise”

Rumors are circulating that Maness may challenge Scalise in 2016. Alford says these kind of threats cannot be taken lightly. He says the big question is whether the Senate Conservatives Action is going to continue to hammer away at Scalise…

CUT 8 (11) “what’s coming next”

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

After working several fatal crashes last weekend that resulted in nine deaths, State Police troopers are urging drivers to use extra caution while on the highways during this holiday period. Sergeant Nick Manale says driver error is responsible for many of the wrecks they are seeing

CUT 9 (09)  “distractions alone”

Manale says since Thanksgiving week, State Police have worked fatal wrecks that resulted in 66 deaths…

CUT 10 (05)  “unrestrained occupants”

Manale says in most of the fatal wrecks they’ve investigated, the victims were not buckled up

cut 11 (08)  “in a crash”

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

New employment numbers are out and Louisiana’s labor force grew to a record 2,179,837 in November. The number of people employed in the state jumped by 59,419 over the year. LWC Executive Director Curt Eysink says people are responding to Louisiana’s strong and sustained job growth by joining our workforce in record numbers…:

cut 12 (11) “great jobs”

Eysink says, over the month of November, we added about 7,000 people working in Louisiana. He says this is outpacing a national trend..:

cut 13 (09) “to November”

Louisiana’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate rose to 6.5 percent in November which is a .9 percent increase from last year. But Eysink says the main reason our unemployment rate has risen is because of the speed of the growth of the labor force. He says industrial announcements keep coming and people from around the nation are paying attention…:

cut 14 (07) “for the future”

A new Southern Media and Opinion Research poll shows 58-percent of Louisianians disapprove of Governor Bobby Jindal’s job performance as he heads into his final year in office. Scott Carwile has more…

CUT 1 (30) “reporting”

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Holiday travelers will enjoy the lowest gas prices we’ve seen in years. Jeff Palermo has more on this nice Christmas gift for motorists.

Cut 2 (30) “reporting”

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The last Saturday before Christmas could be as big a shopping day as Black Friday. Michelle Southern reports…:

Cut 3 (30) “reporting”

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A new Southern Media and Opinion Research poll shows 58-percent of Louisianians disapprove of Governor Bobby Jindal’s job performance as he heads into his final year in office. 600 likely Louisiana voters were surveyed. Pollster Bernie Pinsonat says you probably won’t see the Governor’s popularity increase very much as he ends his term…

cut 4  (10)  “have piled up”

But Pinsonat points out that the poll shows 70-percent of Republicans give the governor a positive job rating. With both houses of the state legislature being controlled by Republicans, Pinsonat doesn’t see these poll numbers changing the way Jindal will do business in his last year…

Cut 5  (09)  “of their voters”

Pinsonat says Jindal has a job approval rating of just over 50-percent among white voters. He doesn’t think these poll numbers will factor into Jindal’s decision to run for President in 2016. But Pinsonat says this could be something that could potentially hurt him…

Cut 6 (11)  “definitely hurt him”

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Gas prices are about 75-cents lower than a year ago as we head into what should be a busy two weeks of traveling during this holiday period. Gregg Laskoski, with gas-buddy-dot-com, says with the statewide average at about $2.30 a gallon, it should help consumers pay for other expenses

CUT 7 (08)  “greater distances”

Laskoski says gas prices have been on a sharp decline since October and this trend should continue into next year. He says the US Department of Energy is projecting a national average price of $2.60 a gallon for 2015

Cut 8 (09)  “long,long time” 

Laskoski says this Christmas gift of lower gas prices is the result of a decline in global crude oil prices

Cut 9 (12)  “a barrell”

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Some much needed rain will be hitting Louisiana today. State Climatologist Barry Keim says this rain is coming at a great time as the state has been rain deficient over the last two months. Keim says there is a coastal storm forming off the coast of Texas this morning…

Cut 10 (05) “through tomorrow morning” 

Keim says the storm is projected to travel along the Louisiana coast. He says rainfall amounts with this storm could be anywhere from a half inch up to four inches of rain. Keim says there is the possibility of severe weather depending on the track of the storm…

cut 11 (09) “some severe weather”

Keim says the entire state is teetering right on the edge of drought with everything east of the Atchafalaya Basin experiencing moderate to severe drought conditions. Keim says the precipitation will be short lived with conditions clearing by Saturday morning…

cut 12 (08)  “of the state”

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The last Saturday before Christmas could be as big a shopping day as Black Friday especially if you’re still looking for TVs, appliances or clothes according to experts. Andrew Kuo (quoe) is a marketing professor at LSU. He says the downside of the so-called “Super Saturday” is that shoppers are typically at the mercy of the retailers

Cut 13 (09)  “wouldn’t spend”

MartketWatch reports Super Saturday could edge out Black Friday as the top sales day of the year in 2014. Kuo says the Day after Thanksgiving sales weren’t as high this year as they have been in years past which is another reason stores are expected to be packed tomorrow…:

Cut 14 (10)  “department stores”

Kuo says tomorrow you can expect to continue to see excellent apparel sales, discounted appliances to help folks get ready for guests in their home and last minute TV deals. He says with the growing popularity of online shopping, consumers have been spreading out their store shopping throughout the entire month of December…:

Cut 15  (08)  “business online”

______________________________________

U-L Lafaytte and Nevada meet tomorrow morning in the R-and-L Carriers New Orleans Bowl. It’s the fourth straight year the Ragin Cajuns have played in this bowl game and last year 55-thousand people were attendance to see the Cajuns face in-state foe Tulane. Billy Ferrante, executive director of the New Orleans Bowl, says unfortunately they will see that kind of crowd this year

Cut 16  (09)    walk-up gameday”  

The Ragin Cajuns will hold a Fan Fest Friday afternoon at the New Orleans Marriott on Canal Street. And Ferrante says the bowl game will host a concert tonight at the New Orleans Arena featuring Kool and the Gang and Cheap Trick

Cut 17  (09)   “big crowd”

The Saints and Falcons meet on Sunday in the Superdome. Both teams have losing records, but both teams can still win the NFC South. New Orleans can wrap up the NFC South this weekend with a Carolina loss and a Saints victory over the Falcons. NFL Analyst Mike Detillier says a big key for the Black and Gold will be putting pressure on Atlanta Quarterback Matt Ryan

Cut 18 (15) “throws”

The Saints played well last Monday in a win over the Chicago Bears. Quarterback Drew Brees threw for 375 yards and three touchdowns and Detillier says the short passing game worked for them that night and they’ll use it again on Sunday…

Cut 19 (20)   “the Falcons”

Now that the United States and Cuba have announced plans to renew diplomatic relations and resume trade, what does that mean for Louisiana? Eric Gill takes a look at that…

CUT 1 (31) “reporting”

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A statewide poll on next year’s governor’s race shows Republican Senator David Vitter with a double-digit percentage lead over Democratic state representative John Bel Edwards and Republican Lt. Governor Jay Dardenne. Jeff Palermo has more…

CUT 2 (26) “reporting”

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With the full blown crawfish season just around the corner, you may be able to add the mudbugs to your Christmas feast this year. Louisiana Crawfish Farmers Association President David Savoy says sacks are starting to show up in stores, but it’s too early to predict how plentiful the season will be…:

CUT 3 (10)  “were young”

Live crawfish can generally be found from November through July, but are most prevalent from April through June. December crops are still considered somewhat early. Savoy says, weather permitting, the season will really start to kick in early next year…:

CUT 4 (12)  “on the market”

Savoy says if Santa does plan to deliver crawfish this season, he can expect them to be pricey. He says they’ll also be in mixed size right now which is typical for this time of year. Savoy says if we have another bitter winter like last year, it’ll be hard on the harvest…:

CUT 5 (10)  “due to the cold weather”

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Now that the United States and Cuba have announced plans to renew diplomatic relations and resume trade, what does that mean for Louisiana? Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain says resumed trade would be a big benefit for the state, especially the Port of New Orleans…

CUT 6 (06)  “Port of New Orleans”

Prior to 1961 Cuba was the Port of New Orleans’ largest trade partner. Governor Jindal opposes the President’s plan to “normalize” relations with the Communist nation calling it a disservice to those in Cuba who wish to be free and who live in fear of a dictatorial regime. However, Strain says other non-democratic countries enjoy normal trade relations with the US…

CUT 7 (08) “is time”

A 2005 visit to Cuba by then Governor Kathleen Blanco established limited trade between Louisiana and the island nation. Strain says Cuba needs what Louisiana can provide, especially rice and poultry. But he says food will not be the only thing being exported there…

CUT 8 (06) “of thing”

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A new poll on the 2015 governor’s race shows republican senator David Vitter with a solid lead over three other opponents. Southern Media and Opinion Research pollster Bernie Pinsonat says Vitter benefits from high name recognition and because he’s a vocal critic against President Barack Obama

CUT 9 (10)  “Senator David Vitter”

Southern Media and Opinion Research surveyed 600 likely voters and 36-percent support Vitter. Pinsonat says Vitter is leading the field of three other opponents in the governor’s race, even though 40-percent of the poll respondents disapprove of Vitter’s job performance

CUT 10 (08)  “a runoff”

Democratic state representative John Bel Edwards finished second in the race horse poll, receiving 26-percent, followed by republican Lt. Governor Jay Dardenne at 19-percent. Pinsonat says Edwards benefits by receiving most of the African-American vote…

cut 11 (08)  “run-off spot”

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

Louisiana State Police is offering a $2500 reward for information leading to the arrest of the person responsible for allegedly running over and killing a pedestrian in St. Rose on Thanksgiving morning. Spokeswoman Melissa Matey says the crash took place on La 626 in St. Charles Parish…:

cut 12 (10) ” survelliance video”

Matey says 25-year-old Christin Allday was walking across the road at 1:30am and did not yield to the oncoming vehicle when she was struck. The victim sustained fatal injuries as a result. Matey the vehicle did not stop or return to the scene of the crash and they now have surveillance video…:

cut 13 (09) “and the driver”

The suspect vehicle is believed to be a dark colored truck or SUV. Matey says callers do not have to give their name or testify to receive the cash reward. She says if you know anything about this crash, please contact authorities…:

cut 14 (04) ” of this vehicle”

Lafayette Congressman Charles Boustany plans to meet with Veterans Affairs officials today over their decision to push back the completion date of two new VA clinics in Lafayette and Lake Charles. Scott Carwile reports…

CUT 1 (30) “reporting”

______________________________________

A public demonstration is being held this evening in downtown Opelousas to protest grand jury decisions in Missouri and New York where charges were not pressed in officer involved deaths. Michelle Southern reports.

Cut 2 (30) “reporting”

______________________________________

Christmas is one week from today and many people would call the next 7 days the most stressful of the year. Michelle Southern talks with an LSU AgCenter Life specialist…:

Cut 3 (30) “reporting”

______________________________________

Lafayette Congressman Charles Boustany plans to meet with Veterans Affairs officials today over their decision to push back the completion date of two new VA clinics in Lafayette and Lake Charles. It’s reported that the opening of both clinics are delayed by almost a year to 2016. Boustany says these delays are unacceptable…

cut 4  (12)  “purely ridiculous”

Boustany says his office has not been contacted by the VA in regard to this issue. He says he learned of the delays second-hand. Boustany says the VA is sending mixed signals to veterans and he intends to get to the bottom of this…

Cut 5  (07)  “they’re doing”

It’s reported that VA officials made the announcement of the delay at a town hall meeting in Lake Charles. Boustany says he’s determined to get answers becuase our veterans deserve to be treated a whole lot better than this. He says this mistreatment of veterans has gone on long enough…

Cut 6 (10)  “sounds like it”

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A public demonstration is being held this evening in downtown Opelousas to protest grand jury decisions in Missouri and New York where charges were not pressed in officer involved deaths. It’s being organized by newly-elected alderman Tyrone Glover who says the St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office, Opelousas Police, the DA’s office and the city marshal are all participating…:

CUT 7 (13)  “we are concerned”

In New York, Eric Garner died in a choke hold while saying, “I can’t breathe” and the officer detaining him is not being indicted. Glover says today’s rally will not be a march but a dialogue among all participants to make sure everyone is on the same page should something like this happen in St. Landry Parish…:

Cut 8 (12)  “to make peace” 

The rally will begin at 5pm in Opelousas’ Courthouse Square. Glover says he’s good friends with Sheriff Bobby Guidroz and they both agree law enforcement responded the wrong way in Garner’s case and in the Ferguson case of Michael Brown. Glover says this rally will be a peaceful one, not negative…:

Cut 9 (10)  “suffer for the bad”

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The super low gas prices are making car salesmen happy this Holiday season as vehicle sales rise. Bob Isreal, Executive Director of the Automobile Dealers Association, says the consumer in general is feeling more confident with their money because of the lower price at the pump…:

Cut 10 (14) “three months” 

Isreal says motorists in Louisiana almost always prefer to buy a truck or SUV but they move toward more fuel efficient vehicles when the price at the pump is high…:

cut 11 (06) “and the SUVs”

Isreal says economists are predicting oil prices will stay low for the next 12-18 months which will be great for the car business…:

cut 12 (08)  “new vehicles”

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Christmas is one week from today and many people would call the next 7 days the most stressful of the year. LSU AgCenter Life specialist Diane Sasser says it’s a good idea to get plenty of rest and if you’re too tired — slow down. She says it’s important to keep smiling and stay positive because getting too easily irritated is unproductive…:

Cut 13 (09)  “what this is about”

Sasser says you’ll be doing yourself a big favor if you get solid plans in place now so there isn’t a big scramble next week. She says trying to achieve the “perfect” Holiday can cause worry and tension…:

Cut 14 (11)  “you feel”

Sasser says if you’re lonely or missing a loved one, attending a community holiday event may brighten your spirits. She says it’s always good to stay on budget and keep a list of everything if at all possible…:

Cut 15  (09)  “stick to it”

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The Saints can win the NFC South this Sunday, if they can beat their biggest rival, the Atlanta Falcons, and if Carolina loses to Cleveland. Even though this has not been a great season for the Black and Gold, Quarterback Drew Brees says they are still in position to accomplish one of their main goals

Cut 16  (17)    than this”  

The Saints are trying to snap a four-game losing streak at home. Coach Sean Payton says he doesn’t feel any extra pressure to make sure his team is ready to play Sunday, with so much on the line…

Cut 17  (19)   “each week”

Even though Atlanta comes in with a record of five and nine, Quarterback Matt Ryan is playing at a high level. He’s thrown for 300 or more yards in his last three games and for the season he has 41-hundred passing yards and 27 touchdowns. Payton says the Falcons have an explosive offense

Cut 18 (17) “defense”

Republican Congressman Steve Scalise of Metairie says he supports US Senator David Vitter in his campaign for governor. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 1 (28) “reporting”

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Some members of LSU ‘s faculty and student body are concerned the American Family Association is involved in a prayer rally at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center on January 24th. Jeff Palermo has the story

CUT 2 (30) “reporting”

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Republican Congressman Steve Scalise of Metairie says he supports US Senator David Vitter in his campaign to become governor. Scalise made his comments on The Jim Engster Show. The House Majority Whip thinks Vitter would do a great job as Louisiana’s governor…

CUT 3 (08)  “our state back”

Vitter is one of three Republicans running for Louisiana’s highest elected office, with Lt. Governor Jay Dardenne and Public Service Commissioner Scott Angelle being the other two. Amite Representative John Bel Edwards is the lone Democrat in the race. Scalise believes Vitter would be more friendly to business in the state as governor…

CUT 4 (04)  “in our state”

Scalise as House Majority Whip, has the most clout of the Louisiana Congressional delegation. He believes that the Senator is the right man to replace Governor Jindal. Scalise says he’s worked with Vitter on several issues in Washington and has seen Vitter’s commitment to Louisiana…

CUT 5 (09)  “in that race”

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State Police say a highway construction worker has been killed in a Caldwell Parish crash. Trooper Michael Reichardt says there were two trucks stopped in the northbound outside lane of Highway 165, just north of Columbia, putting down center reflectors on the roadway…

CUT 6 (12)  “the left lane”

Reichardt says when a vehicle attempted to change lanes, it struck the rear of one of the work trucks and then the three construction workers…

CUT 7 (08) “died last night”

30-year-old Michael Roberts of West Monroe succumbed to his injuries and died as a result of his injuries. The investigation is ongoing and it is unknown at this time if impairment was a factor in this crash. Reichardt says it’s a driver’s responsibility to be aware when in a construction zone or approaching any slow moving or stopped vehicles…

CUT 8 (09) “in a lane”

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A native of Cuba, who lives in New Orleans, blasts President Obama for restoring diplomatic relations with Cuba. George Fowler, Vice Chairman of the Cuban-American National Foundation, feels that there will probably be some cosmetic changes in US-Cuba policy but nothing significant…

CUT 9 (09)  “on the embargo”

Another part of the deal with Cuba saw an exchange of prisoners. Cuba agreed to release American Alan Gross in exchange for three Cubans imprisoned in the US accused of spying. Fowler says he condemns this action by the President because it will put Americans everywhere in the world in danger …

CUT 10 (11)  “be in jail”

Fowler doesn’t see much benefit for the US in expanding trade with Cuba. He says Cuba is a bankrupt Communist country and has been for many years. Fowler says there may be one benefit of resuming trade…

cut 11 (07)  “of our country”

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Many people on LSU’s campus are not happy the Pete Maravich Assembly Center will be the site for a prayer rally featuring Governor Jindal  next month. The American Family Association is funding the event and LSU Associate english professor Chris Barrett says she considers the A-F-A a hate group for its views and stance on homosexuality

cut 12 (06) ” community”

Barrett says it’s her hope LSU will tell the organizers to hold their rally somewhere else, if not, she and hundreds of others plan to protest outside of the PMAC that day, because of the A-F-A’s involvement

cut 13 (07) “doesn’t”

American Family Association spokesperson Bryan Fisher says he doesn’t understand why there’s controversy surrounding their Prayer Rally on January 24th…

cut 14 (08) ” repent”

Fisher says he’s not surprised gay activists would come out against this event…

cut 15 (07) ” our benefit”

The annual University of Michigan “Monitoring the Future” report shows, for the first time, more teens are smoking e-cigarettes than tobacco cigarettes. Scott Carwile reports…

CUT 1 (30) “reporting”

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The Louisiana Workforce Commission has launched a new online mobile which calculates someone’s expenses and connects them with a career. Michelle Southern reports.

Cut 2 (30) “reporting”

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So as we’re one week away from Christmas Eve, what are the toys that will be under most trees? Michelle Southern looks at the National Retail Federation 2014 survey…:

Cut 3 (30) “reporting”

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According to a new national survey, for the first time more teens are smoking e-cigarettes than tobacco cigarettes. The annual University of Michigan “Monitoring the Future” report surveyed over 40,000 8th, 10th, and 12 graders. DHH Health Promotions Director Caroline Brazeel says they are currently analyzing data for Louisiana but expects to see a similar trend here…

cut 4  (09)  “national trends”

It is cited that a possible reason for the growing popularity of e-cigarettes among teens is the perception that they do not harm your health. Brazeel says that’s not the case because nicotine can have a negative impact on brain development. She says another reason for their popularity is the tobacco industry marketing e-cigarettes to teenagers…

Cut 5  (09)  “younger audience”

There is also concern that the use of e-cigarettes can become habit forming for teens. Brazeel says it’s important that the state does what it can to protect the health of the youth in Louisiana. She says the Louisiana Legislature took a critical first step in trying to combat this growing trend…

Cut 6 (07)  “to minors”

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The Louisiana Workforce Commission has launched a new online mobile tool that would help people find careers that interest them while supporting the standard of living they want to maintain. LWC spokesman Tom Guarisco says it’s called “My life. My way.” and it’s a fun way to envision the life you want…:

CUT 7 (10)  “right careers”

Guarisco says users can learn how much they need to earn by choosing from 8 regions in Louisiana then making lifestyle choices about housing, food, transportation. He says the app will then connect you to the appropriate career…:

Cut 8 (11)  “that will prepare you” 

Guarisco says you can find the tool online at laworks.net/mylife. He says this is great for students, but it can be used by anyone who may be thinking of re-locating in the state and how much it would cost to live there and keep your current lifestyle…:

Cut 9 (05)  “what they’ll take”

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Step aside Barbie, there’s a new princess in town. We’re one week away from Christmas Eve and Kathy Grannis with the National Retail Federation says the number one toy under the tree for girls this Christmas will be from a popular animated film…:

Cut 10 (08) “this year” 

20% of parents said they plan to buy their daughters products from Disney’s Frozen — dethroning Barbie (at 16%) for the first time in the survey’s 11-year history. Grannis says daughters also went hi-tech on this year’s Christmas list…:

cut 11 (10) “products”

Grannis says topping the boys list is LEGO sets which also is recognized as one of the top selling toys for both boys and girls every Holiday season. She says moms and dads have had their hands full with the Christmas lists this year as kids move toward the electronics department…:

cut 12 (07)  “video game consoles”

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The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries says a Mississippi man has been cited for allegedly drowning a deer in the Mississippi River in Concordia Parish. Adam Einck with L-D-W-F says a witness observed 40-year-old David Hayes of Natchez, Mississippi, drive his boat up to a deer swimming in the river…

Cut 13 (06)  “in his boat”

Einck says a wildlife and fisheries’ agent found Hayes with a dead eight point buck lying in front of the vessel. He says Hayes admitted to drowning the buck in the river on the Louisiana side…

Cut 14 (10)  “while it was swimming”

Hayes faces several hundreds of dollars in fines and up to 90 days in jail, if convicted. He also might have to pay a two-thousand dollar restitution charge for the replacement value of the deer. Einck says they don’t see many cases where a person is cited for drowning deer

Cut 15  (08)  “apparently”

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The LSU football team is practicing every day this week to get ready for their match-up with Notre Dame in the Music City Bowl. It’s the first time the Tigers are back on the practice field since Thanksgiving week and starting quarterback Anthony Jennings says he used the down time to self scout himself

Cut 16  (20)    this bowl game”  

Jennings started all but one game for the Tigers during the 2014 regular season. He has led an offense that’s averaged 28 points a game, which ranks 11th in the 14-team SEC. The sophomore hopes to lead LSU to several scores in the bowl game…

Cut 17  (14)   “for us”

Senior Safety Ronald Martin says he’s glad to have the opportunity to finish his college career by playing a team like Notre Dame….

Cut 18 (15) “playing Notre Dame”