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

CUT 1 (30) “reporting”

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

CUT 2 (32) “reporting”

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

CUT 3 (09)  “worse in the nation”

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

CUT 4 (09)  “make things work”

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

CUT 5 (08)  “(laughter)”

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

CUT 6 (10)  “out of the way”

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

CUT 7 (07) “construction materials”

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

CUT 8 (08) “the investigation”

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

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

CUT 9 (04)  “head-on”

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

CUT 10 (07)  “that Mack truck”

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

cut 11 (08)  “is   over”

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

cut 12 (11) “even up the score”

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

cut 13 (04) “this case”

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

CUT 1 (29) “reporting”

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

Cut 2 (32) “reporting”

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

Cut 3 (28) “reporting”

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

cut 4  (10)  “those efforts”

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

Cut 5  (05)  “more effective”

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

Cut 6 (09)  “prosperous industry”

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

CUT 7 (12)  “the safety needs”

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

Cut 8 (09)  “and safely” 

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

Cut 9 (11)  “happy”

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

Cut 10 (09) “across the region.” 

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

cut 11 (08)  “a long time.”

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

cut 12 (10)  “actual content areas.”

__________________________________________

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

Cut 13 (12)  “at best.”

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

Cut 14 (13)  “20 years ago.”

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

Cut 15  (08)  “coming in.”

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

CUT 1 (29) “reporting”

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

CUT 2 (25) “reporting”

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

CUT 3 (08)  “been mayor”

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

CUT 4 (11)  “shut down”

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

CUT 5 (08)  “state statute”

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

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

CUT 6 (10)  “scare them away”

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

CUT 7 (09) “both of her legs”

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

CUT 8 (11) “for this”

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

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

CUT 9 (10)  “in others”

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

CUT 10 (11)  “Louisiana politics”

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

cut 11 (08)  “at all“

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

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

cut 12 (08) “and fixtures”

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

cut 13 (08) “in the future”

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

cut 14 (05) “a good track”

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

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

CUT 1 (29) “reporting”

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

Cut 2 (32) “reporting”

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

Cut 3 (30) “reporting”

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

cut 4  (11)  “a gallon”

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

Cut 5  (07)  “welcomed timing”

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

Cut 6 (09)  “have anticipated”

______________________________________

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

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

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

Cut 8 (09)  “attacked her” 

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

Cut 9 (11)  “and she was hit”

______________________________________

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

Cut 10 (13) “any records” 

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

cut 11 (08)  “doctor for himself”

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

cut 12 (11)  “with LSU”

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

Cut 13 (09)  “who did that benefit”

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

Cut 14 (11)  “that point”

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

Cut 15  (10)  “revenue flow”

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

Cut 16  (05)  “tough decisions”

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

Cut 17  (09)   “for them”

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

Cut 18 (17) “projected here”

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

Cut 19 (13)   “Conference USA games”

Democratic incumbent Mary Landrieu wants her opponent, Republican Bill Cassidy, to explain why time sheets show he was paid by the LSU Health Sciences Center for work he apparently never did. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 1 (28) “reporting”

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Secretary of State Tom Schedler is pleased with the early voting totals for the December 6th run-off. Jeff Palermo has the story…

CUT 2 (30) “reporting”

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In the final week of the Senate campaign, democratic incumbent Mary Landrieu is making a big issue over time sheets that possibly show her opponent, Republican Bill Cassidy, was paid by the LSU Health Sciences Center for work he never did. Landrieu says the 16 statements that have been made public are full of inconsistencies…

CUT 3 (10)  “very unlikely”

Landrieu has called on Cassidy to produce all 63 time sheets in question for tonight’s debate. Landrieu says another issue here is that Congressmen are allowed to only make $26,000 a year in outside work on top of their Congressional salary…

CUT 4 (11)  “$50,000”

Cassidy says he’s proud of his work in the LSU System and these allegations are an attempt to to salvage Landrieu’s career. Cassidy and Landrieu will meet in a televised debate tonight. Landrieu says Cassidy has been hiding from his record during the campaign…

CUT 5 (07)  “double dipping”

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

Secretary of State Tom Schedler says 221-thousand voters casted ballots during the early voting period that ended Saturday. Schedler says they averaged over 44-thousand votes a day, which is a good number

CUT 6 (06)  “very impressive”

Saturday is election day and Schedler is optimistic we’ll see a voter turnout at 40-percent. There’s a usually a drop-off in voter participation between the general election and the run-off. But he says they averaged more voters per day last week than in the early voting period prior to the November fourth election.

CUT 7 (09) “to us”

Schedler says the heaviest early voting totals were in East Baton Rouge, Orleans and St. Tammany parishes…

CUT 8 (07) “were the heaviest”

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

State Police say a single vehicle crash involving a motorcycle and a deer has left one man dead and his wife seriously injured. Master Trooper Scott Moreau says 53-year-old Gordon Bolton was riding his Harley Davidson with his wife, 57-year-old Monika (MO-nika) Bolton, in Vernon Parish Saturday night…

CUT 9 (05)  “collided with it”

He says a deer entered the roadway and the motorcycle collided with it. Moreau says, as a result, the both individuals were ejected from the motorcycle…

CUT 10 (12)  “serious condition”

Gordon was pronounced dead at a local hospital while Monika remains hospitalized in serious condition. Moreau says both were wearing helmets at the time of the accident. He says, as of now, they do not suspect impairment in this crash, but the investigation is ongoing…

CUT 11 (07)  “a later date“

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

The 2014 hurricane season is over and forecasters were right when they predicted a normal to a below normal year. State Climatologist Barry Keim says there were only eight named stores, the fewest for a hurricane season since 1997

cut 12 (09) “North Carolina”

Keim says this is the ninth straight year we didn’t have a major hurricane hit the US Coastline, the longest such streak since records were kept

cut 13 (06) “major hurricane”

Keim says we can attribute the quiet season to lower than normal sea surface temperatures in the Atlantic Ocean

cut 14 (08) “Pacific Ocean”

Tonight is the last night voters will get to see democratic incumbent Mary Landrieu and republican challenger Bill Cassidy debate before Saturday’s Senate election. Jeff Palermo has the story…

CUT 1 (32) “reporting”

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Eating right and staying healthy is more of a challenge during the holiday season. Jeff Palermo has some tips…

Cut 2 (30) “reporting”

______________________________________

Training is underway for a new cadet class of the Louisiana State Police. Scott Carwile reports…

Cut 3 (31) “reporting”

______________________________________

Democratic incumbent Senator Mary Landrieu and republican challenger Bill Cassidy will meet in a televised Senate debate tonight. Political analyst Clancy Dubos says you can bet Landrieu will bring up the recent allegations that Cassidy, who is a doctor, was paid by the LSU Health Sciences Center for work he never did..

Cut 4  (10)  “question is”

Political bloggers first reported that some of Cassidy’s time sheets from LSU did not add up to the hours he actually worked. Dubos says this issue will likely come up in tonight’s debate, but it might be too little too late for Landrieu’s re-election chances

Cut 5  (09)  “sink in”

In published reports, Cassidy denies the accusations that he received payments for work he didn’t do. As far as the debate goes, Dubos expects Cassidy will continue to connect Landrieu’s voting record with President Obama’s policies

Cut 6 (10)  “on that”

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After spending the weekend shopping for great deals at the mall and other retail stores, consumers will now turn to the internet for Cyber Monday. LSU marketing professor Dan Rice says savvy consumers held off on buying certain items this past weekend to see what kind of deals they’ll get today…

CUT 7 (06)  “free shipping”

Rice says Cyber Monday is becoming a bigger deal then Black Friday for many consumers

Cut 8 (07)  “the house” 

Rice says even though shopping centers and malls were busy this weekend, some people were waiting until today to make most of their purchases

Cut 9 (10)  “over time”

______________________________________

The State Police Cadet Class #93 has started training to earn the privilege of wearing the “gold boot” badge of the Louisiana State Police. The cadets will go through 20 weeks of training. Trooper Jared Sandifer says about 70 new cadets reported to the Training Academy yesterday…

Cut 10 (10) “70 individuals” 

He’s hopeful this class will produce 50 new troopers. This is the second State Police cadet class to be held since September 2008. Sandifer says the graduates from this class will help bolster trooper numbers statewide…

cut 11 (07)  “of our state”

State Police graduated Cadet Class #92 in May and added 46 troopers to the roster. Sandifer says this new cadet class will go through 20 weeks of intense training…

cut 12 (11)  “survival skills”

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Staying fit or maintaining your current weight is difficult for some during the holiday season. State department of health and hospital’s Well-Ahead Director, Melissa Martin, says staying hydrated is one way to make sure you don’t eat too much during one sitting

Cut 13 (12)  “hunger cues”

Martin says during the holiday season, many people take in more calories than they do during other months of the year, so she says find ways to burn off those calories

Cut 14 (10)  “play with family”

Martin says also try to plan out your meals, so you are not rushing to eat or forced to eat fast food on a regular basis

Cut 15  (12)  “the holidays”

_________________________________

The Ragin Cajuns wrapped up an 8-and-4 regular season with a 42-23 win over the Troy Trojans. UL Lafayette rushed for 344 yards as Elijan McGuire and Alonzo Harris combined to gain 255 yards on the ground and five touchdowns. Coach Mark Hudspeth on his top two running backs…

Cut 16  (19)  “pretty effective”

Louisiana Tech will play this Saturday in the Conference USA Championship game against Marshall after routing Rice 76-31 on Saturday at Joe Aillet Stadium. The Bulldogs amassed 677 total yards as quarterback Cody Sokol threw for 387 yards and four touchdowns. Head Coach Skip Holtz on his explosive offense

Cut 17  (15)   “went into it”

Tech will take on the Thundering Herd in the league title game this Saturday at 11 AM in Huntington, West Virginia. Marshall is 11-and-1 on the year, with its one loss coming on Friday against Western Kentucky. Holtz says it should be a great football game

Cut 18 (12) “should be”

The Saints continue to do the unexpected. Lose games when you expect them to win, but win games when you think they’ll get beat. New Orleans went into Pittsburgh yesterday and beat the Steelers 35-32. Quarterback Drew Brees threw five touchdown passes to five different receivers, Mark Ingram rushed for 122 yards and the defense forced two turnovers. Coach Sean Payton says it feels good to beat a good team on the road

Cut 19 (08)   “3rd down”

Before the game a report came out that said Payton and defensive coordinator Rob Ryan’s relationship had deteriorate to the point the two ‘hated” each other. Payton denied that was the case and said he loves what Ryan is doing

Cut 20 (09)  “outstanding job”

The National Federation of Independent Business has named this Saturday as Small Business Saturday. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 1 (32) “reporting”

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Saturday is the final day of early voting for the December 6th election. Eric Gill has more…

CUT 2 (32) “reporting”

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The National Federation of Independent Business has named this Saturday as Small Business Saturday. It’s a day where shoppers can help the local economy by shopping at locally-owned businesses. Louisiana NFIB Director, Dawn Starns, says Small Business Saturday is designed to promote small independent business owners in your community…

CUT 3 (06)  “dollars locally”

This is Small Business Saturday’s fifth year and last year shoppers nationwide spent almost $6 billion at locally-owned shops and restaurants. Starns says supporting small business really pays dividends in the community all year long…

CUT 4 (11)  “it may be”

Starns says holiday shopping is crucial to small businesses who are still recovering from the slowdown in the economy and Small Business Saturday is your opportunity to help out one of your own…

CUT 5 (09)  “you probably know”

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It’s the time of year where people start looking for that perfect Christmas Tree to display in their home for the holiday season. If you’re looking to get a fresh tree, Kevin Steele. Louisiana Director of the Southern Christmas Tree Association says there is an ample supply in Louisiana…

CUT 6 (08)  “Burkii Cedar”

Steele owns and operates a choose-and-cut Christmas Tree farm in Washington Parish.
He says a problem many people have with fresh Christmas Trees is needles falling from the tree. Steele says if you don’t like falling needles, you may want to consider purchasing a Leyland Cypress…

CUT 7 (08) “that falls off”

He says many people struggle with keeping their trees fresh as they go through the season. Steele says it’s important to hydrate your tree to keep it fresh….

CUT 8 (10) “water-holding stand”

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The LSU Tigers capped off an up and down regular season with a 23-17 win over Texas A-and-M on Thanksgiving Night. LSU was in control for most of the game, despite what the final score says. Coach Les Miles gives credit to offensive coordinator Cam Cameron for coming up with a good game plan…

CUT 9 (11)  “there 18”

Freshman running back Leonard Fournette led the Tigers ground attack as he rushed for 146 yards. Fournette says they take pride in being a good running team…

CUT 10 (12)  “your hand”

LSU ends the regular season with an 8-4 record, 4-4 in the Southeastern Conference. They’ll now wait to find out who they will play in a bowl game and where. Miles says he’s proud of what his team accomplished this season….

CUT 11 (12)  “to do“

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

Saturday is the final day of early voting for the December 6th election. This election is highlighted by Louisiana’s US Senate runoff between Democratic incumbent Senator Mary Landrieu and Republican Congressman Bill Cassidy. Secretary of State Tom Schedler says, during the first four days, turnout was brisk…

cut 12 (12) “a day”

Schedler says over 174,000 Louisiana voters participated in early voting through Wednesday. Early voting was closed Thursday and Friday and he says Saturday will be your last opportunity to cast an early ballot…

cut 13 (10) “satellite offices”

Schedler says you can go online to geauxvote-dot-com to find out where you can early vote. He says many people wanted to get voting out of the way before the Thanksgiving holiday. Because of this, Schedler is not expecting a record turnout for early voting Saturday…

cut 14 (07) “26,000 range”

The Louisiana Attorney General’s Office reminds shoppers to stay safe and shop smart this holiday season. Jeff Palermo reports…

CUT 1 (31) “reporting”

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Black Friday is here and shoppers are crowding stores looking to find that great deal for their holiday shopping. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (32) “reporting”

______________________________________

The Louisiana Attorney General’s Office reminds shoppers to stay safe and shop smart this holiday season. Director of the Public Protection Division, Sam Pleasant, says you should be on the lookout for holiday shopping scams. She says it’s very important to protect your identity…

Cut 3 (12) “legitimate retailer”

She says it’s important to keep your card and PIN number from prying eyes while you are out shopping. Pleasant says you should be very aware of suspicious looking point of sale terminals or scanning devices…

Cut 4  (12)  “gain your information”

She says review your financial statements and documents frequently for unusual discrepancies. Pleasant says if you plan on doing some holiday shopping online, be aware of look-a-like or phony websites. Pleasant says you should make sure you are on the proper website before purhasing anything online…

Cut 5  (11)  “click on those”

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Black Friday is here and shoppers are crowding stores looking to find that great deal for their holiday shopping. Louisiana Tech Marketing Professor Berry Babin says you can expect blockbuster specials in stores this morning…

Cut 6 (12)  “a lot more blurred”

He says retailers are now offering Black Friday deals online, as well as in-store. Babin says electronics will still be a hot item this holiday season. However, he says some electronics experts say the sale of tablets will be down this year…

CUT 7 (09)  “a lot of people”

Retailers are optimistic that this holiday shopping season will be strong. Babin says, even though online shopping is increasing, you shouldn’t expect the Black Friday shopping crowds to go away anytime soon…

Cut 8 (07)  “love or hate” 

______________________________________

Several metro areas in Louisiana are in jeopardy of not meeting the federal government’s new ozone standards. The U-S Environmental Protection Agency is lowering the acceptable amount of how much ozone pollution should be in the air. State Department of Environmental Quality spokesperson Greg Langley says it will force many industries and businesses to reduce their emissions

Cut 9 (07)  “will be expensive”

Governor Bobby Jindal says the new environmental regulations will kill jobs and increase energy prices. Langley says D-E-Q agrees with that assessment

Cut 10 (09) “to industry” 

But EPA administrator Gina McCarthy says lowering the standard will protect children and the elderly, who have trouble breathing because of ozone pollution. Langley says the new rules will take effect next October, but first there’s a 90-day comment period…

cut 11 (09)  “public input”

______________________________________

One of the best stories in college football this season will get national attention on Saturday when the Grambling State Tigers try to complete their remarkable turnaround, by beating Southern in the Bayou Classic. With a win, the Tigers can win the SWAC Western Division after winning just two games in 2012 and 2013. First-year Coach Broderick Fobbs says despite some recent dark days at  Grambling, the winning tradition never left the school

cut 12 (12)  “the challenge”

The winner of Saturday’s game will represent the western division in the SWAC Championship. Southern is also 7-and-1 in the league as they’ve won six in a row. Fobbs has a lot of respect for Jaguars Head Coach Dawson Odums

Cut 13 (10)  “technically sound”

The Saints will look to snap their three-game losing streak on Sunday when they travel to Pittsburgh to take on the Steelers. Quarterback Drew Brees remains positive even though they haven’t won a game since October 30th

Cut 14 (10)  “first one first”

The Saints are tied with Atlanta for first in the NFC South, despite a 4-7 record. Brees says the opportunity to make the playoffs is great motivation…

Cut 15  (11)  “positive thing”

More and more restaurants are opening on Thanksgiving day giving people an additional dining option for their holiday festivities. Scott Carwile reports…

CUT 1 (26) “reporting”

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Louisiana will have a mobile pet shelter for future hurricane seasons. Scott Carwile has more…

Cut 2 (30) “reporting”

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Several stores are once again opening their doors tonight to get a jump start on the Holiday shopping season. Wal-mart, Best Buy, Sears and Target are just some of the retailers who will cut their Thanksgiving holiday short in the hopes of increasing revenues. LSU marketing professor Dan Rice is not sure this relatively new tradition will continue

Cut 3 (05) “an advantage”

Some retail analysts say opening on Thanksgiving Day doesn’t lead to an increase in sales. Rice says many shoppers and employees are not happy with it either

Cut 4  (05)  “work those hours”

But Rice says optimism is high among retailers that this will be a good holiday shopping season

Cut 5  (06)  “looks good”

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More and more restaurants are opening on Thanksgiving day giving people an additional dining option for their holiday festivities. Erica Burns, with the Louisiana Restaurant Association, says last year 33 million Americans went to a restaurant for all or part of their Thanksgiving meal. She thinks restaurants are open on Thanksgiving because of public demand…

Cut 6 (10)  “restaurant as well”

Burns says this is a trend that’s been growing over the last several years. Burns says a big advantage for eating out on Thanksgiving is that it allows for more time to be spent with your family…

CUT 7 (12)  “a clean house”

She says the Black Friday weekend is a big weekend for the restaurant industry. Burns says with stores now opening on Thanksgiving night, it just makes sense for restaurants to be open, too…

Cut 8 (10)    “for a meal” 

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The LSU Tigers take on Texas A-and-M tonight looking to avoid ending the regular season on a three-game losing streak. 1999 was the last time the Tigers lost three games in a row and Coach Les Miles says the players are committed to getting a win tonight

Cut 9 (09)  “and achieving”

Both of these teams enter tonight’s contest with identitcal records, seven and four overall, 3-and-4 in the SEC. Miles says it will be a challenge for his team to go to Kyle Field and play well

Cut 10 (12) “football team” 

LSU has won three straight over the Aggies. In the last two victories, the Tigers defense held quarterback Johnny Manziel in check. Tonight, A-and-M will start freshman Kyle Allen. Sophomore defensive tackle Christian LaCouture says putting pressure on Allen will be important

cut 11 (10)  “create havoc”

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Construction will begin next month on a mobile pet shelter that will be used for the 2015 hurricane season and beyond. The state department of agriculture is responsible for pet evacuations and Ag Commissioner Mike Strain says storm victims in the past have refused assistance unless their pets were accommodated

cut 12 (08)  “piece of equipment”  (2x)

Strain says they received a 40-thousand dollar donation which will go towards the construction of the mobile pet shelter, which will be about a 50-foot transport truck that’s outfitted with pet cages…

Cut 13 (09)  “move instantly”

As you get the kitchen ready to cook the family Thanksgiving feast, State Fire Marshal Butch Browning hopes safety is on your mind as well. Jeff Palermo has more…

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Federal judges ruled this week that same sex marriage bans in Arkansas and Mississippi are unconstitutional. Jeff Palermo looks at where Louisiana stands on this issue

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As you get the kitchen ready to cook the family Thanksgiving feast, State Fire Marshal Butch Browning hopes safety is on your mind, as well. Browning says it’s important that your stove and oven are clean and properly maintained. He says once you begin cooking, you should attend to that cooking…

CUT 3 (09)  “on the stove”

Browning says unattended pots on the stove is the cause of many kitchen fires during Thanksgiving. He says, as friends and family gather, make sure you pay attention to kids playing in the kitchen…

CUT 4 (07)  “in these pots”

Browning says one specific hazard where they see a lot of house fires is the outdoor frying of turkeys. He says a main factor in fires involving fried turkeys is having your cooking apparatus too close to your home…

CUT 5 (07)  “evacuate the area”

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Mississippi and Arkansas are the latest states to have a federal judge rule their gay marriage bans violated the US Constitution. Those two rulings came down yesterday. But Loyola University law professor Dane Ciolino says Louisiana’s ban on same sex marriages is safe for now

CUT 6 (09)  “was constitutional”

U-S District Judge Martin Feldman in New Orleans upheld Louisiana’s gay marriage ban with a ruling he made in September. Ciolino says because there are conflicting rulings from various federal judges and appellate courts, the Supreme Court will be forced to make a ruling

CUT 7 (08) “resolve this”

Ciolino says rulings made in Louisiana, Mississippi and Arkansas have been or are in the process of being appealed to the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans. He says it’s likely that appellate court will rule against same-sex couples…

CUT 8 (11) “conservative bent”

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Cleco is now offering its customers an energy efficiency program to help reduce their monthly energy use. Spokesperson Robbyn Cooper says the best way to manage your bill is to manage your energy consumption…

CUT 9 (12)  “their electricity bill”

The program is available to all of Cleco’s 284,000 customers in Louisiana. Cooper says there are many features to this program and more information can be found on Cleco’s website. She says the process will start with a free energy assessment…

CUT 10 (05)  “and save energy”

The assessment will show customers where they can make energy efficient improvements to their home. Cooper says that, if you need to have work done on your home to improve its energy efficiency, you can save by using one of Cleco’s approved contractors…

CUT 11 (07)  “is being done“

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This weekend Louisiana highways will be filled with holiday travelers, shoppers or those heading to or returning from big college and high school football games. State Police Trooper Jared Sandifer is reminding motorists to make smart decisions behind the wheel

cut 12 (10) “holiday season”

Unfortunately, Sandifer says State Police has already investigated about a dozen fatal crashes since last weekend

cut 13 (07) “Thanksgiving holiday”

Sandifer says they are participating in the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission’s “Click or Ticket Campaign,” which means they’ll be looking for unbuckled drivers and passengers

cut 14 (06) “while impaired”