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”

______________________________________

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”

______________________________________

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”

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

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”

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

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”

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

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”

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

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“

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

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”

______________________________________

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”

______________________________________

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”

______________________________________

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”

______________________________________

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” 

______________________________________

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”

______________________________________

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”

______________________________________

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”

______________________________________

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”

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

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”

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

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”

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

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”

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

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“

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

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”

Entergy is launching new energy efficiency programs to help customers use less power and save money on their electricity bills. Scott Carwile has more…

CUT 1 (28) “reporting”

______________________________________

A research firm has already polled voters on the 2015 elections. Michelle Southern takes a look at the results.

Cut 2 (29) “reporting”

______________________________________

Mid-year budget cuts are coming in state government as a result of lower than anticipated revenues. Jeff Palermo reports…:

Cut 3 (29) “reporting”

______________________________________

It doesn’t look like Louisiana is out of the woods, yet, when it comes to freezing temperatures. State Climatologist Barry Keim says two fronts are now affecting Louisiana…

Cut 4  (08)  “we had yesterday”

He says the weather should clear up later today and more Canadian air will settle over the state. Keim expects highs to only get up to around 50 degrees statewide today and temperatures to once again drop below freezing overnight…

Cut 5  (08)  “very cold air”

He says the polar vortex is angry again and we have to brace for it. Keim says Wednesday will pretty much be a carbon copy of Tuesday with another hard freeze expected…

Cut 6 (06)  “into Friday”

______________________________________

Entergy is launching new energy efficiency programs to help customers use less power and save money on their electricity bills. Entergy Solutions Program Manager Heather Leblanc says this program provides customers a variety of ways to cut energy use at their homes…

CUT 7 (09)  “your own home“

She says programs are also available for business owners. For more information and to sign up, go online to entergysolutionsla-dot-com. Leblanc says it all starts with an assessment…

Cut 8 (11)   “your utility bill“

There are three different residential programs available for homeowners and two different tiers of assessment. Leblanc says the reason Entergy wanted to offer this is two-fold…

Cut 9 (11)  “our energy useage” 

______________________________________

It’s possible you haven’t thought about next year’s elections in Louisiana, but a research firm has already polled voters on the 2015 ballot. Multi-Quest pollster John Scurich says in the race for Governor, US Senator David Vitter leads with 25.9 percent followed by Lt. Governor Jay Dardenne with 10.9 percent. He says 53% are undecided

Cut 10 (11) “ahead”

Scurich says most voters will likely become more involved in next year’s races after the first of the year when the state Senate and Congressional races are over. Even so he says this early on, Vitter looks to be in good shape…:

cut 11 (07)  “that’s what he’s got”

Scurich says Democratic State Representative John Bel Edwards came in at just 4 percent edging out fellow Democrat Public Service Commissioner Foster Campbell at 3.8 percent. He says the wild card in next year’s gubernatorial race will be whether or not Democratic New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu decides to run…:

cut 12 (12)  “candidates”

______________________________________

Mid-year budget cuts are coming in state government as a result of lower than anticipated revenues. The shortfall for this fiscal year ending June 30th is 171 million dollars and Jeremy Alford of LaPolitics.com says higher education will likely take the brunt of these cuts…:

Cut 13 (11)  “off the table”

Alford says the budget picture will not get better anytime soon because
economists from around the nation are predicting a recession in 2015…:

Cut 14 (10)  “next Governor”

Louisiana’s budget woes only get worse as the state spent $141 million more than it brought in last year, and next year’s shortfall is projected to be $1.4 billion. Alford says you can expect the budget situation to dominate the conversation for the next couple of years:

Cut 15  (12)  “revenue generators”

______________________________________

LSU’s offense failed to score a single point on a frigid night in Fayetteville as they lost to the Razorbacks 17-0 on Saturday. The Tigers only rushed for 36 yards and had 123 total yards as LSU fell to 3-and-4 in the SEC. Coach Les Miles didn’t have many answers after the game…

Cut 16  (12)  “get that”

Terrence Magee was LSU’s leading rusher and he only had 24 yards on seven carries. The senior from Franklinton says losing two in a row is no fun

Cut 17  (15)   “this thing”

LSU had another bad night throwing the football. Quarterback Anthony Jennings threw for only 87 yards and sacked four times. He also had a fumble. Miles says he thought about bringing back-up QB Brandon Harris into the game…

Cut 18 (10) “at victory”

______________________________________

A frustrating season for the Saints, became more aggravating on Sunday with a 27-10 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. It’s second straight loss at home, New Orleans hasn’t done that since 2012, when Head Coach Sean Payton was suspended for a season. Payton takes the blame for the team’s inconsistent season

Cut 19 (15)   “every area”

Quarterback Drew Brees threw for 255 yards, but it only resulted in one 4th quarter touchdown. The Saints defense allowed former LSU running back Jeremy Hill to rush for 152 yards. And the Bengals converted 9-of-13 times on 3rd down. Payton says that’s unacceptable…

Cut 20 (18)  “at least”

We’re two weeks away from the Black Friday shopping frenzy and some retailers have already revealed their special deals. Eric Gill has more…

CUT 1 (28) “reporting”

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

The second enrollment period to acquire health insurance through the Affordable Care Act begins Saturday. Jeff Palermo has the story…

CUT 2 (30) “reporting”

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

We’re two weeks away from the Black Friday shopping frenzy and some retailers have already revealed their special deals. Best Buy, Walmart, and Target are a few of the stores that have already released their Black Friday sales ads. Assistant Professor of Marketing at LSU, Dan Rice, says these stores want to get into people’s minds early…

CUT 3 (11)  “that they remember”

He says these stores want to get out there early to make sure somebody else doesn’t beat them to the punch. Rice says this is a situation where one releases their ad early and others follow suit…

CUT 4 (11)  “of your competitor”

He says stores typically advertise deep discounts on electronics for Black Friday. But Rice says you should always keep your eyes open because you could find great deals before or after Black Friday…

CUT 5 (08)  “lot of products”

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

Open enrollment begins Saturday for those seeking health insurance through the federal Affordable Care Act. Louisiana Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says 101-thousand residents are insured through Obamacare and that will likely go up with this second enrollment period, because the penalty is higher this year for those who go uninsured

CUT 6 (11)  “or two percent income”

Donelon says another change is that an additional insurer will be selling plans on the federal Marketplace, giving many Louisiana residents up to six different insurance companies to choose from…

CUT 7 (09) “64 parishes”

The Department of Health and Human Services estimates an eight-percent rate increase on the most popular plans. Donelon reminds residents you could be eligible for federal assistance, if you do purchase a policy through the federal marketplace

CUT 8 (10) “subsidy”

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

More freezing temperatures are expected across the state as we get into the weekend. A freeze warning has already been issued from 10PM tonight until 9AM Saturday for a large portion of southeast Louisiana. Phil Grigsby, with the National Weather Service in Slidell, predicts overnight lows in the area to be colder than last night…

CUT 9 (09)  “in southeast Louisiana”

Grigsby expects a harder freeze for north Louisiana and residents there should really tend to plants, pipes, and pets. He says temperatures will rise a little over the weekend with afternoon highs on Saturday in the sixties. Grigsby says Sunday could bring highs approaching 70 degrees in some areas along with some rainfall…

CUT 10 (11)  “rainfall for us”

But he says this slight warming trend will not last very long. Grigsby says right after the rain moves through, another pretty strong cold front will follow…

CUT 11 (09)  “of the week“

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

The Hammond Police Department says they are looking for a robber who allegedly stole a large amount of perfume from a retail store. Lt. Vince Giannobile says the incident took place this week at ULTA Beauty in the mall…:

cut 12 (13) “$500”

Giannobile says the suspect was spotted and when mall officials approached him he ran off…:

cut 13 (10) “to be located”

Giannobile says one of their officers believes they know who the burglar is because he’s previously committed the same crime at the same store dressed as a woman…:

cut 14 (08) “before”

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

The US House passed legislation Friday approving the controversial Keystone XL Pipeline. The bill was sponsored by Baton Rouge Congressman Bill Cassidy. House Republican whip, Metairie Congressman Steve Scalise, says the pipeline is all about jobs and American energy security…

cut 15 (10) “our economy needs”

The bill passed on a 252 – 161 vote. This move is viewed as an effort by Republicans to boost Cassidy’s chances in the Senate runoff election against Democratic Senator Mary Landrieu. Landrieu has pushed the Senate to vote on this issue next week. Scalise says the Keystone Pipeline is an issue that brings people together…

cut 16 (11) “for our nation”

Ochsner Health System is hosting the first Alton Ochsner Conference on Tobacco today in New Orleans. Scott Carwile has more…

CUT 1 (31) “reporting”

______________________________________

The Grand Isle Fire Chief and 19 others were arrested in an undercover drug operation. Michelle Southern reports.

Cut 2 (29) “reporting”

______________________________________

The possibility state government will have to implement a midyear budget cut will become more clearer today as the Revenue Estimating Conference meets to examine state revenues. Jeff Palermo has more..

Cut 3 (29) “reporting”

______________________________________

Ochsner Health System is hosting the first Alton Ochsner Conference on Tobacco today in New Orleans. This commemorates the 75th anniversary of Dr. Alton Ochsner’s groundbreaking article linking smoking to lung cancer. The event is co-sponsored by the Louisiana Campaign for Tobacco-Free Living. Ochsner International CEO Patrick Quinlan says they annually sponsor a tobacco cessation research award…

Cut 4  (06)  “forum for that”

Dr. John Ochsner, son of Alton Ochsner, will speak about his father’s breakthrough research on tobacco which was co-authored by Dr. Michael DeBakey…

Cut 5  (09)  “to public health”

Event organizers say the conference will provide a summary of new research on tobacco use, quitting tobacco, and the genetics of nicotine addiction. Quinlan points out that 480,000 Americans die each year due to tobacco use, but the stats don’t stop there…

Cut 6 (09)  “and subsequent death”

______________________________________

Grand Isle Fire Chief Aubrey Chaisson is one of 20 people arrested during an undercover operation aimed at the sale of illegal drugs and alcohol on the island. Jefferson Parish Sheriff Newell Normand says he received confidential information claiming possible misconduct could be taking place.

CUT 7 (12)  “Patrick Santiny”

Chaisson was charged with possession of Marijuana.   Normand says all of the arrests were the result of an extensive undercover operation….

Cut 8 (13)   “purchases of drugs “

Normand says of the 20 people arrested, they are still searching for two others involved…

Cut 9 (08)  “initial information” 

______________________________________

The Revenue Estimating Conference meets today where it’s expected the state will receive bad news concerning the amount of revenue coming in. Senate President John Alario says he’s bracing to hear there’s been a significant reduction in anticipated revenues…

Cut 10 (12) “estimates were”

Lower than anticipated revenues means fewer dollars for the state to spend, which could lead to a mid-year budget cut. Alario says state government is aware and have taken steps to prevent deep cuts

cut 11 (10)  “some of that”

Not only is a mid-year budget cut possible, but it’s likely the state will have less money to spend next fiscal year, which could lead to additional cuts. Alario says the two main factors are low oil prices and income tax revenue is also down, even though employment is at an all-time high in Louisiana

cut 12 (11)  “this point”

______________________________________

Former Vice Presidential candidate Sarah Palin will visit Louisiana this weekend to attend a rally for Congressman Bill Cassidy in the US-Senate runoff. The national tea party favorite had supported Col Rob Maness for the spot but now joins the Retired Air Force Col in stumping for Cassidy. ULM Political Science Professor Joshua Stockley:

Cut 13 (13)  “200,000 votes”

Duck Dynasty Patriarch Phil Robertson will also attend the rally Saturday afternoon in Monroe. Stockley says it would make Cassidy’s chances of winning this election easier if he picked up those 200,000 plus Manness votes. He says those voters are more likely to support the Congressman than they are the Democratic US Senator Mary Landrieu…:

Cut 14 (13)  “opposed to Landrieu”

Stockley says events like this serve to remind those ultra-conservative Maness supporters that there is another election coming, and Cassidy is the candidate they should choose. He says turnout is critical and both Landrieu and Cassidy have got to remind their supporters to get out and vote if they want to win…:

Cut 15  (10)  “to support him”

______________________________________

ULM will look to an end a five-game losing streak when they host in-state rival U-L Lafayette on Saturday. The Warhawks have lost their last three games by a combined 11 points and Coach Todd Berry says it won’t be any easier on Saturday night when they face the Ragin Cajuns, who are undefeated in Sun Belt play

Cut 16  (22)  “get pressure”

Berry says even though they’ve had some frustrating losses, he expects his players to give great effort on Saturday as they have not given up on the season….

Cut 17  (19)   “this week”

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

LSU will attempt to bounce back from a tough overtime loss to when they visit Arkansas on Saturday night. The Razorbacks are looking to end a 17-game SEC losing streak and Hogs Head Coach Bret Bielema says it would mean a lot if they can end the streak against LSU

Cut 18 (16) “our guys”

______________________________________

The Razorback have lost several close games this season. They lost by a touchdown to Mississippi State, one point to Alabama and in overtime to Texas A-and-M. But Bielema says his guys are still battling

Cut 19 (11)   “of fun”

According to Bloomberg, 96-percent of television ads during the first week of the Louisiana Senate runoff election supported Republican challenger Bill Cassidy. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 1 (30) “reporting”

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

Freeze warnings and hard freeze warnings are posted across the state as low temperatures have the potential of reaching the mid-20s tomorrow morning. Jeff Palermo has the story…

CUT 2 (29) “reporting”

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

According to Bloomberg, 96-percent of television ads during the first week of the Louisiana Senate runoff election supported Republican challenger Bill Cassidy. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says this is not surprising since the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee announced they were cancelling ads supporting Senator Mary Landrieu in the runoff…

CUT 3 (11)  “money in Louisiana”

He says that move sent a signal to Democratic political action committees and they are not spending money in Louisiana. The report shows, statewide, only 82 pro-Landrieu ads aired compared to 1,917 pro-Cassidy commercials. But Pinsonat says Senator Landrieu is not being totally left out in the woods…

CUT 4 (10)  “for Mary Landrieu”

He says, during the primary, Democrats outspent Republicans two-to-one. A majority of the polls on this race have Cassidy winning the runoff. Pinsonat says you can expect Republicans to continue to pump funds into this race to help the challenger…

CUT 5 (06)  “to help Mary”

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

An LSU police officer remains in stable condition after getting hit by a passing vehicle late Saturday night in which Alabama team doctors rushed to his aid. The story is starting to grab national headlines. The doctors, Lyle Cain, Norman Waldrop and Benton Emblom were part of the team’s motorcade according to LSUPD spokesman Captain Corey Lalonde:

CUT 6 (13)  “the officer”

LaLonde says the officer is 33-year-old Sgt. Christopher Gresham and he’s an eight year veteran of the department. He says Gresham sustained very serious injuries in the crash…:

CUT 7 (13) “Sgt. Gresham”

LaLonde says the crash itself was investigated by the Baton Rouge Police Department but the driver of the other vehicle was cited in the crash. He believes the Alabama doctors that rushed to Gresham’s aid played a crucial role in the moments following the crash…:

CUT 8 (10) “could get there”

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

Two Baton Rouge police officers and a former officer are facing charges in a sex case in which they allegedly forced a woman to perform a sexual act on one of the officers at a Baton Rouge park earlier this year. East Baton Rouge District Attorney Hillar Moore says evidence against the three men was compiled by the Baton Rouge police department

CUT 9 (08)  “abuse of office”

Moore says the incident happened last February. He says the three officers, who were on duty and in uniform, threatened to tow the woman’s car or arrest her after she was found with a man in a parked car. Moore says two of the officers forced the man to leave and that’s when the sex act occurred…

CUT 10 (07)  “three officers”

An attorney for one of the three men charged in this case, says they look forward to their day in court. Moore says they face a charge of abuse of office, which could lead to jail time if convicted

CUT 11 (05)  “five years in jail“

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

The search continues for a missing Louisiana woman believed to be in a wooded area of south Arkansas. 32-year-old Amanda McKinnie McPherson of Marion was last seen in in woods near Three Creeks in Union County on November 3rd. Sheriff Mike McGough (ma GOO) says McPherson and a male friend were driving in the area and got stuck. McGough says the male friend left to find help, but got lost…

cut 12 (11) “her cell phone”

He says by the time the male friend returned to the truck, McPherson had left. McGough says she talked to family and friends on her cellphone before trying to walk out of the woods on her own. He says they are still in and out of the woods looking for McPherson…

cut 13 (11) “have found her”

No one has heard from McPherson since her phone went dead. McGough says they have no reason to suspect foul play at this point, but they are not ruling that out…

cut 14 (08) “deal with that”

Much of the state is under a freeze watch tonight as that cold Canadian air the cold front brought to Louisiana is really entrenched across the state. Scott Carwile has more…

CUT 1 (29) “reporting”

______________________________________

A now-banned new component in synthetic marijuana known as Mojo and Spice is believed to be responsible for sending more teenagers to the hospital in Louisiana. Michelle Southern reports.

Cut 2 (32) “reporting”

______________________________________

The Keystone Pipeline project has become the focus of the US Senate race. Jeff Palermo explains…

Cut 3 (31) “reporting”

______________________________________

A large portion of Louisiana is under freeze warnings tonight as that cold Canadian air the cold front brought to Louisiana is really entrenched across the state. Mike Efferson, with the National Weather Service in Slidell, says you can expect temperatures really drop tonight…

Cut 4  (11)  “along I-10”

Hard freeze warnings are in effect for portions of central and southwest Louisiana. Efferson says lows tonight could dip down as low as 25 degrees…

Cut 5  (07)  “right now”

He says the NWS likes to issue an alert for the first freeze of the season to remind people to take care of their pets and plants. Efferson says temperatures will be 20 to 25 degrees below normal heading into the weekend. He says there is a chance of rain coming in Saturday night…

Cut 6 (07)  “60 degrees”

______________________________________

Both candidates in the US Senate runoff are trying to show voters they can get things done in Washington D.C. Republican Bill Cassidy has been promised a seat on the Senate Energy Committee if elected, and ULM Political Science Professor Joshua Stockley says the move is an attempt by the Republican Party to dismantle Democratic Senator Mary Landrieu’s campaign message…:

CUT 7 (10)  “this argument”

Senator Mary Landrieu has convinced her colleagues to vote on requiring White House approval of the controversial Keystone Pipeline. Stockley says a vote for the Keystone Pipeline and passage of any such legislation would allow Landrieu to argue she still has power in Congress…:

Cut 8 (08)   “for Louisiana”

Landrieu called for a vote on the Canada to Texas Keystone XL Pipeline in the current lame-duck session and soon after Republican House leaders announced lawmakers would vote today on a similar bill sponsored by Cassidy. Stockley says while these moves probably don’t mean much to voters, they certainly don’t hurt…:

Cut 9 (14)  “things” 

______________________________________

A now-banned new component in synthetic marijuana known as Mojo and Spice is believed to be responsible for sending more teenagers to the hospital in Louisiana. First a problem in Baton Rouge, narcotics officials now say this compond “MAB-CHMINACA” is sending teens to Lafayette hospitals. Louisiana Poison Control Executive Director Mark Ryan…:

Cut 10 (09)  “excited delirium”

Ryan says most teenagers don’t realize that ingredients in synthetic weed are specifically designed to be abused and are far more dangerous than the real thing. He says the dose is what makes the poison…:

cut 11 (11)  “really bad substance”

This new compound has been banned by the state and Ryan says it’s caused some users to be sent to the intensive care unit so it deserved quick action to regulate. He says in some cases these people have had their heart rate drop dramatically…:

cut 12 (13)  “cardiac arrest”

______________________________________

Three constitutional amendments approved by voters last week leaves higher education more vulnerable to budget cuts. Traditionally, higher ed and health care are hit the hardest during tough budget times. But Jan Moller, head of the Louisiana Budget Project, says the approval of Amendments One and Two protects a larger portion health care dollars from being cut…

Cut 13 (11)  “few years”

The passage of Amendment eight, which protects funding for artificial reef development, is another amendment that has the potential of keeping state dollars away from higher education. Moller says less state funding for higher ed, means higher tuition costs…

Cut 14 (08)  “indefinitely”

Moller says we could see the impact of these new constitutional amendments on higher education very soon, as there are concerns the state is facing a revenue shortfall, and cuts will need to be made…

Cut 15  (06)  “budget cycle”

______________________________________

The Saints will host the Cincinnati Bengals this Sunday. It marks the return of former LSU Tiger Jeremy Hill to his home state. Hill has rushed for 404 yards and five touchdowns and Coach Sean Payton says the Baton Rouge native has played well…

Cut 16  (16)  “is not surprising”

The Saints are looking to get back in the win column after an overtime loss to San Francisco last weekend. It was the just latest frustating loss for the  Black and Gold in an up-and-down season. Payton says the team can’t look in the past

Cut 17  (19)   “a lot”

In the games the Saints have lost this season, turnovers have been an issue. Drew Brees fumbled once and was intercepted twice last week. Payton says Brees understands the mistakes he’s making, but it’s not all his fault…

Cut 18 (10) “into that”

Much of the state is under a freeze watch tonight as that cold Canadian air the cold front brought to Louisiana is really entrenched across the state. Scott Carwile has more…

CUT 1 (29) “reporting”

______________________________________

A now-banned new component in synthetic marijuana known as Mojo and Spice is believed to be responsible for sending more teenagers to the hospital in Louisiana. Michelle Southern reports.

Cut 2 (32) “reporting”

______________________________________

The Keystone Pipeline project has become the focus of the US Senate race. Jeff Palermo explains…

Cut 3 (31) “reporting”

______________________________________

Much of the state is under a freeze watch tonight as that cold Canadian air the cold front brought to Louisiana is really entrenched across the state. Mike Efferson, with the National Weather Service in Slidell, says you can expect temperatures really drop tonight…

Cut 4  (11)  “along I-10”

Efferson says the freeze watch could turn into a freeze warning in some areas depending on local conditions. Efferson says lows tonight could dip down as low as 25 degrees…

Cut 5  (07)  “right now”

He says the NWS likes to issue a freeze watch for the first freeze of the season to remind people to take care of their pets and plants. Efferson says temperatures will be 20 to 25 degrees below normal heading into the weekend. He says there is a chance of rain coming in Saturday night…

Cut 6 (07)  “60 degrees”

______________________________________

Both candidates in the US Senate runoff are trying to show voters they can get things done in Washington D.C. Republican Bill Cassidy has been promised a seat on the Senate Energy Committee if elected, and ULM Political Science Professor Joshua Stockley says the move is an attempt by the Republican Party to dismantle Democratic Senator Mary Landrieu’s campaign message…:

CUT 7 (10)  “this argument”

Senator Mary Landrieu has convinced her colleagues to vote on requiring White House approval of the controversial Keystone Pipeline. Stockley says a vote for the Keystone Pipeline and passage of any such legislation would allow Landrieu to argue she still has power in Congress…:

Cut 8 (08)   “for Louisiana”

Landrieu called for a vote on the Canada to Texas Keystone XL Pipeline in the current lame-duck session and soon after Republican House leaders announced lawmakers would vote today on a similar bill sponsored by Cassidy. Stockley says while these moves probably don’t mean much to voters, they certainly don’t hurt…:

Cut 9 (14)  “things” 

______________________________________

A now-banned new component in synthetic marijuana known as Mojo and Spice is believed to be responsible for sending more teenagers to the hospital in Louisiana. First a problem in Baton Rouge, narcotics officials now say this compound “MAB-CHMINACA” is sending teens to Lafayette hospitals. Louisiana Poison Control Executive Director Mark Ryan…:

Cut 10 (09)  “excited delirium”

Ryan says most teenagers don’t realize that ingredients in synthetic weed are specifically designed to be abused and are far more dangerous than the real thing. He says the dose is what makes the poison…:

cut 11 (11)  “really bad substance”

This new compound has been banned by the state and Ryan says it’s caused some users to be sent to the intensive care unit so it deserved quick action to regulate. He says in some cases these people have had their heart rate drop dramatically…:

cut 12 (13)  “cardiac arrest”

______________________________________

Three constitutional amendments approved by voters last week leaves higher education more vulnerable to budget cuts. Traditionally, higher ed and health care are hit the hardest during tough budget times. But Jan Moller, head of the Louisiana Budget Project, says the approval of Amendments One and Two protects a larger portion health care dollars from being cut…

Cut 13 (11)  “few years”

The passage of Amendment eight, which protects funding for artificial reef development, is another amendment that has the potential of keeping state dollars away from higher education. Moller says less state funding for higher ed, means higher tuition costs…

Cut 14 (08)  “indefinitely”

Moller says we could see the impact of these new constitutional amendments on higher education very soon, as there are concerns the state is facing a revenue shortfall, and cuts will need to be made…

Cut 15  (06)  “budget cycle”

______________________________________

The Saints will host the Cincinnati Bengals this Sunday. It marks the return of former LSU Tiger Jeremy Hill to his home state. Hill has rushed for 404 yards and five touchdowns and Coach Sean Payton says the Baton Rouge native has played well…

Cut 16  (16)  “is not surprising”

The Saints are looking to get back in the win column after an overtime loss to San Francisco last weekend. It was the just latest frustrating loss for the  Black and Gold in an up-and-down season. Payton says the team can’t look in the past

Cut 17  (19)   “a lot”

In the games the Saints have lost this season, turnovers have been an issue. Drew Brees fumbled once and was intercepted twice last week. Payton says Brees understands the mistakes he’s making, but it’s not all his fault…

Cut 18 (10) “into that”

______________________________________