An informal survey by the American Farm Bureau Association shows your Thanksgiving meal will cost a little more this year. Jeff Palermo reports…

CUT 1 (33) “reporting”

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A recent State Farm survey found drivers are still texting and driving, even though they know its dangerous. Scott Carwile has more….

Cut 2 (30) “reporting”

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The Louisiana Film Entertainment Association has met their Kickstarter goal with money they were raising for a study that will research the economic impact of the movie industry in Louisiana. Michelle Southern reports.

Cut 3 (30) “reporting”

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It looks like your Thanksgiving meal will cost a little more this year, according to an informal survey by the American Farm Bureau Association. The average price for a Thanksgiving dinner for 10 will cost $49.41, 37 cents more than last year. Louisiana Farm Bureau Association’s Avery Davidson says the biggest price hikes you’ll see are your proteins, particularly turkey and beef…

Cut 4  (12)  “40 years”

Davidson says prices are up. because fewer turkeys were processed this year and we have the smallest beef heards in the last 30 or 40 years. But he says the price increases aren’t very much and, in fact, some items cost less this year…

Cut 5  (09)  “more this year”

He says, although this year’s Thanksgiving meal cost is up, it’s still lower than we paid in 2012. Davidson has a suggestion if you’re looking for a deal on sweet potatoes or yams…

Cut 6 (06)  “grocery store”

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A recent State Farm survey found drivers are still texting and driving, even though they know its dangerous. 52 percent of those polled admit they have talked on a cell phone while driving and 34 percent say they have texted while driving.  State Farm Spokesperson Gary Stephenson says there has been an increase in the use of hands free cell phones.

CUT 7 (14)  “much at all”

Stephenson says 77 percent of young drivers say they believe they can safely text while driving. But he says some people acknowledged when the road conditions were bad, they reduced their cell phone use.

Cut 8 (10)    “be distracted.” 

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration says 80 percent of crashes are due to distracted driving. Stephenson says drivers now use their phones to read emails, access social media and use the internet, in addition to texting.

Cut 9 (11)  “smart phone”

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According to a report from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, homelessness in Louisiana has declined nearly 12 percent since last year and roughly 63 percent since 2010. Louisiana Housing Corporation Executive Director Fred Tombar says one of the key factors in reducing homelessness in Louisiana has been the state’s implementation of the $146 million dollar Permanent Supportive Housing Program…:

Cut 10 (11) “over their head” 

Tombar says they work with local non-profit organizations throughout the state with the same goal of finding people who are on the street and have a need…:

cut 11 (11)  “work together well”

There are an estimated 4,606 homeless people in Louisiana this year compared to 5,226 last year and 12,482 four years ago. Baton Rouge and New Orleans have the largest concentrations of homeless individuals. Tombar says the ultimate goal is to eradicate chronic homelessness…:

cut 12 (10)  “working at it”

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The Louisiana Film Entertainment Association has met their Kickstarter goal with money they were raising for a study that will research the economic impact of the movie industry in Louisiana. LFEA Executive Board member Raelyn Loop says once the study is complete, they will present the findings to lawmakers…:

Cut 13 (11)  “tax incentive program”

LFEA had a $50,000 gap in funding for the project which is why they launched the “Here’s My Two Bucks” Kickstarter campaign which met its goal with 7 days to go. Loop says the landmark economic impact study is already underway..:

Cut 14 (09)  “the entire state”

Loop says the state has to look at whether the motion picture tax incentive that benefits outside companies coming in to do business here is helping Louisiana. She says other states are mimicking our program program so Louisiana needs to remain competitive…:

Cut 15  (06)  “the entire state”

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The Ragin Cajuns fell out of a tie for first place in the Sun Belt Conference as they lost to Appalachian State 35-16 on Saturday at Cajun Field. The Mountaineers dominated at the line of scrimmage, rushing for 232 yards. Appalachian State running back Marcus Cox rushed for 151 yards and two touchdowns. Cajuns Coach Mark Hudspeth says his defense got away from its gap responsibilities…

Cut 16  (20)  “late in the game”

Terrance Broadway did not have a good performance in his final game at Cajun field. The senior from Baton Rouge threw for only 160 yards and he was held to two yards rushing. Hudspeth gives a lot of credit to the Mountaineers defense…

Cut 17  (16)   “job of  that”

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Louisiana Tech also dropped its first league game of the season as they lost to Old Dominion 30-27 in overtime on saturday. Tech led 24-14 at halftime, but failed to score a touchdown the rest of the way. Bulldogs Coach Skip Holtz says it was a disappointing second half

Cut 18 (14) “the field”

La Tech will wrap up the regular season this Saturday against Rice. The winner will advance to the C-USA Championship game against Marshall. Holtz says his guys can’t let Saturday’s loss linger…

Cut 19 (09)   “this week”

As we near the Thanksgiving holiday, the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission is coordinating a statewide Click It or Ticket campaign aimed at saving lives. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 1 (29) “reporting”

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The teenager who was driving the vehicle that crashed in Ouachita Parish and killed 5 of the 8 family members on their way to Disney World was issued a citation for careless operation. Eric Gill has more…

CUT 2 (29) “reporting”

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As we near the Thanksgiving holiday, the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission is coordinating a statewide “Click It or Ticket” campaign aimed at saving lives. Executive Director Lt. Col. John Leblanc says last year’s Thanksgiving holiday was one of the most dangerous of the year on Louisiana roadways…

CUT 3 (07)  “689 injuries”

Leblanc says there were 409 fatal and injury accidents during last year’s five-day Thanksgiving holiday that resulted in five deaths. He says Louisiana’s seat belt compliance rate is 82.5-percent, the highest it’s ever been. Leblanc says the compliance rate has gone up 8-percent in the last four years…

CUT 4 (11)  “87-percent”

He says the Thanksgiving holiday is one of the busiest for travel with more vehicles on the road and a greater chance of accidents. Louisiana law requires all people to use seat belts and Leblanc says it’s important to “Click It” to reduce the risk of fatal injury in an accident…

CUT 5 (06)  “in an accident”

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

The teenager who was driving the vehicle that crashed in Ouachita Parish and killed 5 of the 8 family members on board was issued a citation for careless operation. The family was on their way from Texas to Disney World for a vacation. State Trooper Michael Reichardt says the teen, who has not been identified, was cited when he was released from the hospital…

CUT 6 (06)  “with a crime”

He says the 16-year-old is not charged with any crime, but merely given a traffic citation as a result of the accident. Reichardt says the teen is having to deal with so much right now…

CUT 7 (06) “tragic accident”

Two adults, Michael and Trudy Hardman, and three of their children, 15-year-old Dakota Watson, 7-year-old Adam Hardman, and 5-year-old Kaci Hardman were killed in the crash. Reichardt says the teenager was issued a citation because it’s State Police policy…

CUT 8 (04) “citation written”

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Commissioner of Administration Kristy Nichols announced the state plans to use amnesty money, eliminate 167 unused positions and reduce spending as part of the plan to fill the state’s current $171 million dollar budget shortfall. Jeremy Alford of LaPolitics.com says this falls in line with Jindal’s promise higher ed would be spared mid-year cuts…:

CUT 9 (07)  “no jobs were lost”

The deficit was tied to low severance tax and mineral royalties from dropping oil prices, combined with weak growth in personal income taxes. Alford says the Jindal Administration said it’s found $130 million in unused funding…:

CUT 10 (08)  “unused spending”

Alford says says there will be another meeting in December by the Joint Budget Committee to review the plan more thoroughly and make a final vote. He says the largest single chunk of money is coming from the tax amnesty program this year…:

CUT 11 (08)  “has put forward“

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

The National Weather Service is asking Louisianians to be prepared for the risk of another round of severe weather throughout the state this weekend. Robert Ricks, Lead ForLouisianansecaster with the NWS in Slidell, says there’s a strong upper level disturbance moving into Louisiana from Texas which should hit us hard Saturday evening…:

cut 12 (12) “severe thunderstorm threat”

Ricks says along with torrential rain, damaging winds and tornadoes will be the main threat; so storms from Saturday afternoon into early Sunday morning will need to be watched closely. He says the cold air is flushing out and tropical moisture is moving in from the Gulf…:

cut 13 (10) “thunderstorm activity”

The potential of the severe weather has caused UL-Lafayette to move their Saturday football game against Appalachian State up three hours to 1pm. Ricks says rainfall from 1 to 3 inches with isolated higher amounts will be possible throughout the state but getting worse as you move south…:

cut 14 (08) “12-18 hour period”

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

The early voting period for the December 6th runoff elections begins tomorrow. Scott Carwile reports…

CUT 1 (31) “reporting”

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Louisiana is facing a $171 million dollar revenue shortfall and the Jindal Administration is announcing mid-year budget cuts today. Michelle Southern reports.

Cut 2 (30) “reporting”

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There’s a new Rasmussen poll out on the December 6th US-Senate runoff  and it shows incumbent Democratic Senator Mary Landrieu with 41% of the  vote and Congressman Bill Cassidy with 56%. Michelle Southern reports:

Cut 3 (30) “reporting”

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The early voting period for the December 6th runoff elections begins tomorrow. Secretary of State Tom Schedler says early voting will run through Saturday November 29th excluding a few days…

Cut 4  (04)  “and Friday”

Schedler says there is no early voting next Friday because of an executive order from Governor Jindal declaring the day after Thanksgiving a state holiday. He is predicting a 30 to 35-percent voter turnout for the December runoff election. But Schedler expects voter turnout in the 5th and 6th Congressional districts to outpace the rest of the state…

Cut 5  (07)  “Congressional races”

Schedler says, even though control of the Senate has already been decided, it is still important hit your polling place, even if the US Senate race is the only item on your ballot…

Cut 6 (05)  “in November”

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The Jindal Administration will be announcing mid-year budget cuts today. Louisiana is facing a $171 million dollar revenue shortfall. Jindal’s chief administrator has indicated that higher education will avoid any substantial cuts, but Senate Finance chairman Jack Donahue doesn’t see that being possible…:

CUT 7 (11)  “$340 million dollar cut”

There are many dedicated budget items that can’t be cut so typically higher education and heath care are hit hardest. Donahue says he’s all ears to see what the Jindal Administration has in mind…:

Cut 8 (12)    “$10,000” 

Higher education in Louisiana has been dealt massive cuts in state funding over the past several years. Donahue says we’re dealing with major revenue shortage and he feels the the state gives away too much money in tax credits. He says dollars seem to go as soon as they come in and Louisiana can’t get seem to get ahead…:

Cut 9 (13)  “should be getting”

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There’s a new Rasmussen poll out on the December 6th US-Senate runoff and it shows incumbent Democratic Senator Mary Landrieu with 41% of the vote and Congressman Bill Cassidy with 56%. UL-Lafayette Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says there are several factors working against Landrieu’s chances at re-election…:

Cut 10 (12) “Republican Party” 

In the survey just three percent said they were undecided. Cross says there is also an enormous amount of money being spent to try to defeat Landrieu now that other races across the country are over. But he says a 15 point Landrieu deficit seems a bit high…:

cut 11 (11)  “margin of error”

The survey also found that only 76% of registered Democrats in Louisiana would vote for Landrieu. Cross says it’s not good that the incumbent isn’t even getting good numbers from her own party…:

cut 12 (09)  “registration yet”

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President Barack Obama announced his plans for immigration reform last night, but many people say more needs to be done. Local business consultant Randy Hayden says the new Congress that is sworn in next year should look at making more working visas available, which could help with the state’s worker shortage

Cut 13 (10)  “our economy”

Hayden says with the state on the cusp of an economic boom, experts predict we’ll have trouble finding enough workers in the areas of science, technology  and engineering and math. Hayden says fixing the nation’s current worker visa program could help

Cut 14 (12)  “Louisiana”

Hayden says one area of reform desperately needed deals with foreign students who are a educated by a Louisiana college and university, but then can’t stay after graduation because they can’t get a visa

Cut 15  (11)  “against us”

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McNeese State and Northwestern State wrap up their regular seasons tomorrow. Both teams still a shot at making the F-C-S playoffs. The Cowboys are at Lamar and McNeese Coach Matt Viator says this is always a tough game for his team

Cut 16  (17)  “tremendous offense”

Viator says even if a playoff spot wasn’t on the line, it’s still a big game for the McNeese Program, which is seeking its seventh win of the season

Cut 17  (11)   “football team”

Northwestern State will also go after it’s seventh win of the season when they visit Stephen F Austin. They winner of this game gets to keep seven-foot-six Chief Caddo, the largest trophy in college sports. Demons Coach Jay Thomas on the significance of this contest

Cut 18 (19) “those guys”

State Police say five family members, on their way to Walt Disney World in Florida, were killed in a single vehicle accident on I-20 in Ouachita Parish last night. Eric Gill has the story…

CUT 1 (30) “reporting”

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A new report from the Us Geological Survey says it’s unlikley Louisiana black bears will go extinct. Jeff Palermo has the story…

CUT 2 (31) “reporting”

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State Police say five family members, who were heading to Walt Disney World in Florida, were killed in a single vehicle accident on I-20 in Ouachita Parish last night. Three of the victims were juveniles. Trooper Michael Reichardt says a 16-year-old behind the wheel at the time of the accident…

CUT 3 (11)  “at the scene”

He says six people were ejected from the vehicle and five were pronounced dead at the scene. The others were taken to area hospitals for treatment for their injuries. Reichardt says authorities were able to talk to the 16-year-old driver…

CUT 4 (08)  “to the right”

Reichardt says the 16-year-old is a licensed driver in his home state of Texas. He says, as far as they know, the driver was the only one wearing a seat belt. Reichardt says this is a real tragedy, especially being so close to the holiday season… (The deceased juvenile victims were four, seven, and fifteen years old.)

CUT 5 (07)  “in the car”

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

A new study from the US Geological Survey finds there’s less than a one-percent chance of the Louisiana black bear population becoming extinct in the next 100 years. Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries biologist, Maria Davidson, says this report could result in the Louisiana Black Bear’s removal from the Endangered Species List

CUT 6 (06)  “wildlife service”

Davidson says they don’t have an exact number of how many Louisiana black bears are out there. She can say it’s relatively small, but healthy population…

CUT 7 (08) “anytime soon”

It’s estimated there were only 80 to 120 Louisiana black bears in the 1950s. The study found that more than half of the Black Bears now alive, are in the northeastern part of the state in the Tensas River Basin. Davidson says the report also indicates the bears are moving from one region to another

CUT 8 (10) “vice versa”

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

A new poll on the 6th Congressional District runoff shows Republican Garret Graves with a large lead over Democrat former governor Edwin Edwards. The JMC Analytics and Polling survey shows Graves with 59 percent of the vote with Edwards getting 34 percent. Pollster John Couvillon says the numbers show that Republicans have really gotten behind Graves as the GOP nominee…

CUT 9 (07)  “to Democrats”

Graves has agreed to at least one debate with Edwards, although few think that any debate will have a noticeable impact in this race. Couvillon points out that throughout this campaign, Edwards support has remained in the 35-percent range…

CUT 10 (10)  “pro and con”

Edwards says his campaign is working on his first television campaign commercial that is set to air next week. This will be Edwards first campaign ad in 22 years. Couvillon says, while Edwards does have support, there appears to be too much against him to win on December 6th…

CUT 11 (13)  “candidate, now“

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The Lafayette Police Department says they are looking for the suspect involved in a shooting on Happiness Street. Corporal Paul Mouton says the 31-year-old male victim was approaching a residence around 12:30am this morning…:

cut 12 (07) “within his pockets”

Mouton says the alleged robber then began shooting the victim, striking him once in the back and twice in his legs…:

cut 13 (08) “stable condition”

Mouton says the suspect is identified as a young black male and they are looking for people to come forward with information on this incident…:

cut 14 (08) “ran from there”

Governor Bobby Jindal’s lawsuit against the federal government over Common Core will be heard in a Baton Rouge federal court today. Scott Carwile reports…

CUT 1 (30) “reporting”

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Grambling State’s faculty senate is calling for interim president Cynthia Warrick’s immediate dismissal. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (32) “reporting”

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November 20th is the Great American Smoke out and The Smoking Cessation Trust wants you to quit, today. Michelle Southern reports.

Cut 3 (30) “reporting”

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Governor Bobby Jindal’s lawsuit against the federal government over Common Core will be heard in a Baton Rouge federal court today. The governor claims the Obama administration over reached their authority in trying to implement the controversial education standards in Louisiana. But Loyola University Law Professor Dane Ciolino says the federal government has a wide reach under the US Constitution…

Cut 4  (10)  “education issues”

Jindal claims the federal government used education grant money and waivers to force Louisiana and other states to adopt Common Core. Ciolino says the governor definitely has an uphill battle because the federal government has the authority to oversee matters in many areas including education…

Cut 5  (06)  “almost unfettered”

Many education experts have said Jindal’s Common Core lawsuit has very little chance of succeeding. Ciolino says the federal government has used the commerce and spending clauses of the Constitution to broadly expand its powers…

Cut 6 (06)  “sorts of areas”

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The faculty senate at Grambling State University has given a “no confidence” vote for interim president Cynthia Warrick and they are seeking her immediate dismissal. G-S-U faculty Senate President, Doctor Herbert Simmons Jr, says they are disappointed Warrick hired several administrators at a six-figure salary, when the university faces a three-point-seven million dollar deficit….

CUT 7 (07)  “to no avail”

Calls to Grambling’s administration seeking comment were not returned. Warrick was named as Grambling’s interim A-D in June. Simmons says Warrick has made significant decisions regarding pay and teacher work loads, without consulting faculty

Cut 8 (07)    “about that” 

A committee has been set up to find a permanent president for the Lincoln Parish school and April is the goal to name a new leader. But Simmons told University of Louisiana System President Doctor Sandra Woodley a change needs to happen now…

Cut 9 (10)       “Warrick on”  

(UL System President Sandra Woodley says they continue to support Warrick, as they search for the best possible person for the long-term leadership of Grambling.)

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The Louisiana Cannabis Industry Association has endorsed Republican Congressman Bill Cassidy over democratic incumbent Senator Mary Landrieu. Louisiana Cannabis spokesperson Jesse McCormick says in a debate last month Bill Cassidy  said he supports the legal use of medical marijuana, while Landrieu opposes it

Cut 10 (08)  they support” 

McCormick says because Cassidy is a doctor, he understands why there’s a need for marijuana to be legal for medicinal purposes

cut 11 (11)  “be available”

McCormick says the LCIA hopes there might be some new action regarding legalizing medical marijuana now that the Republicans have a stronger control of the house and the senate

cut 12 (08)  “do something”

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November 20th is the Great American Smoke out and the Smoking Cessation Trust, or SCT, is urging smokers in Louisiana to take advantage of all the free products and services available to help them quit — TODAY. SCT CEO Mike Rogers says qualified applicants are entitled to certain “stop smoking” benefits which tobacco companies fund…:

Cut 13 (13)  “you don’t”

Rogers says in order to qualify for the free benefits you’d need to have started smoking cigarettes before September 1, 1988 and live in Louisiana. He says since their program started in 2012, over 22,000 citizens have received the benefit card…:

Cut 14 (07)  “for the trust”

Applicants who are approved will be eligible to receive cessation medications, nicotine replacement therapy, counseling and other services absolutely free. Rogers says about 25% of Louisianians smoke and about half of those people qualify for the program…:(To apply log on to www.smokefreela.org.)

Cut 15  (08)  “to go”

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Southeastern Louisiana can win at least a share of the Southland Conference title with a win tonight against Nicholls  State. Lions head coach Ron Roberts says they can make history, by winning back-to-back Southland titles for the first time in school history

Cut 16  (08)  “conference championship”

S-L-U has an 8-and-3 overall record, six and one in the league. While Nicholls is winless on the season, but Roberts says in a rivalry game anything can happen…

Cut 17  (05)   “fire out quick”

Southeastern Louisiana quarterback Bryan Bennett is coming off a performance where he threw four touchdowns in a win over McNeese State. Nicholls State interim head coach Steve Axman says Bennett will be tough to contain

Cut 18 (13) “your offense”

Even though S-L-U is known for putting a lot of points on the board, Axman says he’s just as impressed with the Lions defense

Cut 19 (19)   “about that”

Baton Rouge Police have arrested two men in connection with the shooting death of West. St. John High School football coach Juan Joseph. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 1 (26) “reporting”

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

Farm Sanctuary and the Animal Welfare Institute have listed the Pilgrims Pride plant in Natchitoches as one of the nine worst chicken plants in the nation for animal cruelty. Eric Gill has more…

CUT 2 (30) “reporting”

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

Baton Rouge Police have arrested two cousins in connection with the shooting death of West. St. John High School football coach Juan Joseph. Cpl. Don Coppola says they arrested 25-year-old Lemark Cloud Monday night. He says 25-year-old Kendric Cloud was taken into custody Tuesday…

CUT 3 (12)  “of Mr. Joseph”

Kendric has been identified as the shooter in the death of Joseph, while Lemark is the alleged getaway driver. It is reported that both men have criminal histories. Coppola says the investigation is ongoing and little is known about the incident at this time…

CUT 4 (10)  “of Mr. Joseph”

It is reported that Joseph was trying to diffuse the situation when the shooting occurred. Lemark has been charged with accessory to second degree murder and other charges due to his involvement. Coppola says Kendric was booked into the East Baton Rouge Prison last night… (Kendric is charged with second degree murder, illegal use of a weapon, and felon in possession of a firearm.)

CUT 5 (05)  “of a firearm”

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

Record lows were hit in southeast Louisiana this morning, but warmer weather is on the way. Andrew Ansorge (An-Sore-Gy) with the National Weather Service says Baton Rouge broke the record temperature dating all the way back to January 1930…:

CUT 6 (04)  “this morning”

Ansorge says this morning New Orleans tied the record of 31 degrees going back to 1951. But he says the high pressure that settled the cold air in last night is going to start to move off to the east today..:

CUT 7 (09) “more moisture in”

Ansorge says air will be moving in from the south through the remainder of the week into the weekend and along with it will be moisture…:

CUT 8 (10) “across Louisiana”

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

The Pilgrims Pride plant in Natchitoches is listed as one of the nine worst chicken plants in the nation for animal cruelty. The list was compiled by Farm Sanctuary and the Animal Welfare Institute. Farm Sanctuary director of policy, Bruce Friedrich (FREED-rick), says they obtained plant violation information from the federal government through the Freedom of Information Act…

CUT 9 (11)  “in the country”

He says Pilgrims Pride is responsible for almost a fifth of all poultry production in the United States and they have three plants on the list. Friedrich says one violation that put the Natchitoches plant on the list was the report of workers routinely throwing live birds into bags of dead on arrival birds…

CUT 10 (12)  “freeze to death”

In a statement, Pilgrims Farms says the plant has addressed the concerns raised through voluntary corrective actions to ensure compliance with their internal policies and state and federal laws. But Friedrich says it’s not enough for the company to say we’ll do better next time…

CUT 11 (09)  “of the law“

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

Two bodies were found in Lake Pontchartrain this morning and authorities believe they were on board a plane that crashed into the lake last week. New Orleans Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, Colonel Jerry Sneed, says the first body was located at 7:15 AM….

cut 12 (11) “off the coroner”

Sneed says a second body was located a short time later . We are still waiting to hear a positive ID on the two bodies, but it’s believed to be flight instructor Burt Lattimore of Chalmette and Aftab Rab of Mandeville, who was taking flying lessons. …

cut 13 (07) “plane is”

Sneed says they found the first body about a mile away from the runway where the Cesna 172 took off. He says they are still searching for the plane…

cut 14 (11) “that also”

According to the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International, the drone industry will have an estimated economic impact of $213 million dollars on Louisiana. Michelle Southern reports.

CUT 1 (29) “reporting”

______________________________________

According to the Department of Health and Hospitals, flu activity is on the increase in Louisiana. Scott Carwile has more…

Cut 2 (27) “reporting”

______________________________________

Democratic Senator Mary Landrieu did not prevail in her attempt to get the US Senate to pass a bill that would authorize the construction of the Keystone Oil Pipeline. Michelle Southern reports…:

Cut 3 (28) “reporting”

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According to the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International, the drone industry will have an estimated economic impact of $213 million dollars on Louisiana over the next three years and generate over 1,000 jobs. President Michael Toscano says there are many entities that have started making drones a big part of their business…:

Cut 4  (06)  “public safety”

According to the secretary of state’s website, several drone companies have popped up in Louisiana over the last couple of years. Toscano says unmanned aircraft systems are very good as delivery systems and situation awareness — the extension of the eyes and ears of a human…:

Cut 5  (09)  “efficient way”

Toscano says utility companies are using drones to inspect things like pipes and power lines which is a far more safe and effective way. He says farmers can use drones to check on the health of their crops and water and spray them more efficiently and selectively. Toscano says the ways people can use drones to make their jobs easier is growing by the day:

Cut 6 (08)  “better crops”

______________________________________

The American Civil Liberties Union of Louisiana says a school bus driver in East Baton Rouge Parish detained and harassed a student because he thought the 16-year-old was gay. Executive Director Marjorie Esman says the incident involved a student from Broadmoor High School

CUT 7 (10)  “was gay”

Esman says they’ve asked the East Baton Rouge School System to fully investigate the complaint and educate their employees, including bus drivers, it’s illegal to harass a student based on sexual orientation or religion

Cut 8 (10)    “proselytizing students” 

E-B-R school system spokesperson Keith Bromery says the bus driver’s supervisor is aware of the situation and it’s been addressed

Cut 9 (08)       “behavior”  

Bromery says they’ll use this incident as an example when training bus drivers that they should not harass students about religious or sexual orientation beliefs

Cut 10 (11)  be tolerated” 

______________________________________

According to the Department of Health and Hospitals, flu activity is on the increase in Louisiana. Frank Welch, Medical Director for the Immunization Program, says the state typically gets a late start on flu activity, but not this year…

cut 11 (08)  “past few years”

He says there is no real reason why the flu is more active in Louisiana this year in comparison to recent years. Welch says it appears the flu is broadly broken out all over the state…

cut 12 (08)  “pretty much everywhere”

Welch says the strain of flu that seems to be dominant this year, is one that is captured by the flu shot. He says if you haven’t gotten your flu shot, yet, now is the time to do so. Welch says there are two reason you should get inoculated…

Cut 13 (08)  “to anyone else”

______________________________________

Democratic Senator Mary Landrieu did not prevail in her attempt to get the US Senate to pass a bill that would authorize the construction of the Keystone Oil Pipeline. The measure needed 60 votes to pass but it only got 59. Landrieu has spent the last week trying to pass the bill as a way to show her clout in Congress in the Senate runoff. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat…:

Cut 14 (14)  “so Republican”

Pinsonat says at this point, he has no idea why Landrieu would continue to fight in the runoff against Congressman Bill Cassidy….:

Cut 15  (13)  “US Senator”

Pinsonat says the fact that Landrieu couldn’t pull off the push to pass the Keystone bill by her own colleagues is the final nail in her coffin in the US Senate race…:

Cut 16  (10)  “devastating”

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The Ragin Cajuns will play their final home game of the season on Saturday when they host Appalachian State. U-L Lafayette Head Coach Mark Hudspeth says the Mountaineers have two of the best offensive players in the league in quarterback Taylor Lamb and Marcus Cox and they play well together as a team…

Cut 17  (14)   “up there”

Hudspeth says he hopes they’ll have the biggest crowd of the season for the final home game of the year….

Cut 18 (16) “to ask”

______________________________________

Louisiana Tech hits the road this weekend looking to improve to 7-0 in Conference USA action. The Bulldogs are at Old Dominion who is 4-and-6 overall, 2-and-4 in the league. Tech Head Coach Skip Holtz says even though the Monarchs have a losing record, they have one of the better offenses in the conference

Cut 19 (19)   “a carry”

A win for the Bulldogs on Saturday and they will clinch the Western Division of Conference USA. Holtz says he’s talked to his team about staying focused on Old Dominion and not worry about the division standings

Cut 20 (11)  “we want”

Ouachita Parish will not be declared a federal disaster area after tornadoes ripped through the area last month. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 1 (30) “reporting”

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One of the former Destrehan High School teachers arrested for having a sexual relationship with a 16-year-old students asks a judge to ease her house arrest restrictions. Jeff Palermo reports.

CUT 2 (31) “reporting”

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Ouachita Parish will not be declared a federal disaster area after tornadoes ripped through the area last month. Without the declaration, public agencies in the parish will not receive federal reimbursement for costs associated with storm damage expenses. Neal Brown is the Director of the Ouachita Parish Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness…

CUT 3 (08)  “the threshold”

FEMA calculated that the tornadoes did $4 million in damage and $6.3 million in damage is required to be declared a federal disaster. Brown says they also didn’t reach the threshold of uninsured home owners who were impacted…

CUT 4 (13)  “under insured”

He says, without the federal disaster declaration, local government will take the biggest monetary hit in the cleanup after the storm since federal reimbursement is not available. Brown points out that individuals will also be affected by this decision…

CUT 5 (09)  “government spent”

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The former 32-year-old Destrehan High School teacher arrested for having a sexual relationship with a 16-year-old student has asked a judge to ease her house arrest restrictions. Shelley Dufrense is seeking to be allowed outside of her home from 7 A-M to 8 PM, so she can take her kids to school and attend an exercise class. Legal analyst Tim Meche says it’s likely the judge will grant Dufrense’s request…

CUT 6 (09)  “to comply”

According to court records, Dufrense would like to attend a Jazzercise class to help treat her depression and a mood disorder. Meche says judges react favorably in cases where a person is trying to improve their mental and physical health

CUT 7 (07) “unhealthy things”

A  hearing on the motion is set for next Tuesday. The court records also indicate Dufrense’s  oldest child has autism spectrum disorder and requires therapy twice a week. Meche says the judge will do his own investigating before making a decision..

CUT 8 (11) “his decision”

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Lake Charles Police have arrested three men accused of a violent home invasion last week that resulted in the sexual battery of a woman in the home. Sedric Green, Joshua Bryant, and Jaylin Jack, all 22-years-old, were arrested in connection with the crime. Chief Don Dixon says they believe the three targeted the home for a robbery…

CUT 9 (12)  “to forgive you”

Green and Bryant are charged with armed robbery, armed robbery with a firearm, second-degree kidnapping, and second-degree sexual battery. Their bond is set at $1 million each. Jack is charged with armed robbery with a bond of $600,000. Dixon calls this a senseless act of brutality…

CUT 10 (08)  “beyond description”

It is alleged that the three men forced their way into the home, beat the woman who was there alone, and stole several items before leaving. Dixon says the victim did sustain physical injuries during the crime, but she is recovering…

CUT 11 (05)  “that closure“

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State Farm announces they will increase auto insurance rates for its customers beginning December 8th. Spokesman Gary Stephenson says the statewide the overall rate will go up 3.6 percent on average for private passenger vehicles…:

cut 12 (11) “with that”

Louisiana continues to have some of the highest car insurance rates in the nation. Stephenson says the good news, this time, is that this is a relatively small increase…:

cut 13 (07) “from time to time”

State Farm is the largest insurer of automobiles in Louisiana and in the United States. He says the actual amount of the increase will vary from person to person and from location to location…:

cut 14 (12) “slightly higher”

Falling oil prices are having a negative impact on the state’s oil and gas industry. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 1 (31) “reporting”

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Construction is underway on an 110-million dollar expansion and renovation at the LSU College of Engineering. Scott Carwile has the story…

Cut 2 (27) “reporting”

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Retired US Army General Wesley Clark is in Louisiana pushing the federal free cell phone program despite complaints from Senator David Vitter saying it’s a waste of tax payer dollars. Michelle Southern reports.

Cut 3 (30) “reporting”

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Falling oil prices are having a negative impact on the state’s oil and gas industry. Many analysts say layoffs are in the industry’s near future. Louisiana Oil and Gas Association President Don Briggs says the low prices for oil is forcing companies to pull back and reassessing their budgets…

Cut 4  (09)  “for next year”

Briggs says he’s seen companies already reducing manpower and scaling back drilling budgets in the Gulf of Mexico for 2015. Briggs says the reduction in oil prices no only affects oil and gas companies, but it affects the state as well…

Cut 5  (12)  “from the industry”

He admits that consumers are happy with the prices they are seeing at the pump these days, but there is a happy medium where we all do well. Briggs says oil prices in the $70 to $80 dollar a barrel range can be problematic for a while…

Cut 6 (08)  “period of time”

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The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is trying to find out who owned a tame cougar that was found dead in Calcasieu Parish just west of Dequincy. LDWF Wildlife Division Director Rob Gosnell says they could tell immediately that the animal belonged to someone who was keeping it as a pet…:

CUT 7 (12)  “was bad“

Gosnell says the cougar was about 10 years old and 70 pounds. He says they don’t know the animal died but they suspect he was hit by a car. Gosnell says it is unlawful to kill a cougar in Louisiana…:

Cut 8 (10)  “we’ll take it from there“

Gosnell says the origin of the cougar is unknown at this time but they are illegal to own unless you’re a zoo so they are trying to figure out where it came from…:

Cut 9 (10)  “cougars go” 

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LSU has broken ground on a 110-million dollar renovation and expansion of the engineering school. LSU College of Engineering Dean Rick Koubek (Ko-Bek) says they expect construction on the expanded facility to be completed in 2017 and it will help produce more grads to meet the workforce demands of the state’s growing economy

Cut 10 (09) “at LSU”

State funds and private donations are paying for this new engineering complex. Koubek says the facility will give faculty the opportunity to implement new teaching methods…

cut 11 (10)  “lecture to you”

Koubek says the renovation of Patrick Taylor Hall and construction of a chemical engineering addition will help LSU continue to grow its engineering college….

cut 12 (09)  “trend continue”

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Retired US Army General Wesley Clark is in Louisiana pushing the federal free cell phone program despite complaints from Senator David Vitter saying it’s a waste of tax payer dollars. Vitter has been a vocal critic of the Lifeline program which gives cell phones to low-income families. Clark says Vitter should instead be taking credit for fixing the program

Cut 13 (11)  “accountability list”

Phone companies add about 40 cents per phone bill to pay for the system. Clark says more than 300,000 Louisianians have the phone including 36,000 veterans. He says the federal free cell phone program helps a lot of people get connected who otherwise would be unable to do so…:

Cut 14 (12)  “job offers”

Vitter says he would like to see the Lifeline program restored to its original intent of land-lines and he’s challenged Clark to a debate which was accepted Monday. The Senator claims the program is riddled with fraud but Clark says many steps have been taken to ensure the privilege is not abused…:

Cut 15  (12)  “Lifeline phones”

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After breaking down the game film from the Saints 27-10 loss to the Bengals, Coach Sean Payton is hopeful the team can correct the mistakes that have led to their four-and-six record. Payton says providing better protection for Drew Brees and getting off the field on third down needs to be better in the final six games

Cut 16  (18)  “those things”

After the loss on Sunday, Saints safety Kenny Vaccaro expressed his frustration with the team’s performance by telling reporters that they have to come up with something different, because every week is the same result. Payton says had no problem with with what Vaccaro said

Cut 17  (19)   “to him”

The Saints next game is Monday night against Baltimore. Even though the Saints are 4-and-6, they are still tied for first place in the NFC South and Payton says his team has to take advantage of that opportunity

Cut 18 (14) “since 06”

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Public school superintendents in Louisiana are having difficulties finding part-time and substitute teachers as a result of the Affordable Care Act. Eric Gill has more…

CUT 1 (32) “reporting”

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A south Louisiana high school football coach was killed over the weekend in a shooting outside of a Baton Rouge night club. Jeff Palermo has the story…

CUT 2 (31) “reporting”

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Public school superintendents in Louisiana are having difficulties finding part-time and substitute teachers as a result of the Affordable Care Act. Scott Richard, Executive Director of the Louisiana School Boards Association, says work restrictions within the ACA, limiting part-time workers to 30 hours a week, is a real problem…

CUT 3 (07)  “them health insurance”

Richard says if substitutes work more than 30 hours a week, they must be offered health insurance. He says this makes finding substitutes more difficult, especially when a teacher is on an extended leave. Richard says, now, school systems are basically using existing staff to cover for teachers who are out…

CUT 4 (09)  “in public education”

He says school districts want qualified teachers subbing in the classroom when needed. Richard says they plan to work with the state legislature to ease restrictions on retired teachers returning to work…

CUT 5 (12)  “already have insurance”

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The Iberia Parish Sheriff’s Office is investigating an officer involved shooting that occurred in Jeanerette last night. Major Ryan Turner says Jeanerette Police officers responded to a suspicious person complaint. When they arrived, they learned the suspect had fled. Turner says the officers found the suspect a short time later…

CUT 6 (08)  “officer and suspect”

He says when officers caught up with the suspect, 42-year-old Lance Dauphine of Jeanerette, he brandished a knife at the officers. Turner says, as a result of the confrontation, Dauphine and one of the officer were taken to a local hospital…

CUT 7 (06) “striking the suspect”

Detectives learned that the suspect was shot after stabbing the officer. Both individuals have been released from the hospital. Turner says Dauphine was immediately taken into custody upon his release… (Dauphine is charged with two counts of attempted first degree murder of a police officer.)

CUT 8 (05) “of a police officer”

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West St. John High School in Edgard is mourning the death of one of its football coaches, who was killed early Sunday morning outside of a Baton Rouge nightclub. Authorities say Juan Joseph, who served as the Rams’ quarterbacks coach, got into an argument with some other men, when someone in a car fired shots. West St. John Head Coach Robert Valdez is in disbelief

CUT 9 (11)  “about him”

The search continues for the man responsible for the fatal shooting. Joseph was 27-years-old and was the quarterback on West St. John’s 2003 and 2004 state title teams. Valdez says Coach Joseph will be missed

CUT 10 (09)  “kidding around”

Joseph leaves behind a four-year-old daughter and his wife is expecting the birth of their second child. The West St. John football team faces Varnado in a playoff game this Friday. Valdez says he’ll miss his quarterbacks coach

CUT 11 (12)  “he’s there“

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Louisiana is once again hit with another chilly day and is facing more freezing temperatures tonight. The National Weather Service has issued more freeze warnings for much of the state from 11pm tonight to 9am tomorrow morning. Meteorologist Joe Rua says most of the northern and central part of the state will get temperatures in the mid 20s…:

cut 12 (09) “at least a light freeze”

Rua says the freeze is expected to last several hours. He says these temperatures are highly unusual for this time of year…:

cut 13 (09) “would have”

Rua says this winter weather event will linger tomorrow before it moves east…:

cut 14 (07) “to the weekend”