Political analysts are still examining why the expected red wave didn’t happen in national elections. ULM political science professor Dr. Joshua Stockley says the youngest voters had a key impact.

Cut 6 (10)  “…thirty years.”

But numbers from the Louisiana Secretary of State show that didn’t happen  here, the youngest voters had the lowest turnout., Eighteen- to 20-year-olds accounted for 1.3 percent of the total electorate.

When the 118^th Congress convenes next year, members of Louisiana’s Congressional delegation assume new leadership roles. Congressman Steve Scalise will serve as House Majority Leader and Representative Troy Carter will be the Second Vice Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus.

Cut 3 (12) “…will assume.” 

The CDC says flu cases are rising fast nationwide. How is the flu season in Louisiana shaping up? State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says the flu came earlier than normal this year and cases in Louisiana are on the rise…:

Cut 13 (07) “…still going up.”

According to the Louisiana Legislative Auditor, the job satisfaction rate at the Department of Children and Family Services is low. Emily Dixon with the Auditor’s Office says pay and managerial support are among the complaints and DCFS is working on increasing pay and filling job vacancies.

Cut 12 (10) “…daily bases.”

Last month Marketa Garner Walters resigned as Secretary of the Department after two high-profile child welfare deaths.

In 72 hours, Monroe Police responded to four overdose deaths over the weekend. Monroe Police Chief Vic Zordan says they are asking the public to contact them or Crimestoppers if they have any information about overdoses.

Cut 9 (05)  “…responsible for it.”

One arrest has been made so far and they believe they are fentanyl related.

The Louisiana Legislative Auditor releases details from a job satisfaction survey of child welfare workers within the Department of Children and Family Services. Emily Dixon with Louisiana Legislative Auditor’s Office says workers are forced to do more with fewer resources.

Cut 11 (09)  “…completing investigations.”

The agency has already started working on initiatives to address job satisfaction, job performance, and leadership.

The Saints suffered an absolute gut punch of a loss last night as New Orleans blew a 13-point lead to the Buccaneers and lost 17-16. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1(31)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

Shreveport will host the Independence Bowl and Executive Director Missy Setter says ULL and Houston fans won’t have to travel far to attend will have plenty of to keep them busy.

Cut 5 (10) “…day or two.”

Funeral services were held yesterday in Covington for Father Otis Young, the retired catholic priest who was murdered over the Thanksgiving weekend. Young and a church volunteer were beaten and stabbed to death, then burned. Ex-con Antonio Tyson has been arrested for the crime.

The Louisiana Legislative Auditor’s office releases details from a survey about the level of satisfaction workers felt within the Department of Children and Family Services…:

CUT 03 (30)      “…Thomas.”

Monroe Police responded to four overdose deaths over the weekend, within a 72 hour span. Monroe Police Chief Vic Zordan, who’s also a former DEA agent, says he believes a particularly deadly strain of fentanyl is going around. He says an arrest has been made in connection with one of the overdose deaths…:

CUT 08 (09)      “…laced product.”

He says about two-thirds of the drugs they confiscate contain fentanyl.

Flu season is hitting us hard this year. The CDC says almost 9-million Americans have gotten seriously sick with flu. Here in Louisiana, about 10-percvent of all ER visits are flu related, says state Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter. He says the best way to lower your chances of getting sick is to get the flu shot right away…:

CUT 15 (06)      “…and a half early.”

Flu shots are available almost everywhere and are free at parish health units to those that cannot afford one.

Have you had your flu shot this year? The Centers for Disease Control say flu cases are rising fast nationwide. So, how is the Bayou State doing? State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says cases ARE on the rise…:

CUT 14(07)      “…flu symptoms.”

Kanter says flu shots are available most everywhere.

Police in Lafayette say a teen girl from Broussard was raped by a man she met online. The 16-year-old victim says she met Kendrick Richard on a social media app, and when they met in person the attack occurred. Richard has been located and arrested for rape.

West Feliciana Parish authorities say a 4-year-old boy is dead after accidentally drowning in the bathtub. An investigation into how that happened is underway.

The UL-Lafayette Ragin Cajuns will make their first appearance in the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl on December 23^rd and Shreveport is rolling out the red carpet…:

CUT 01(29)      “…Golsby.”

Funeral services were held yesterday in Covington for Father Otis Young, the retired catholic priest who was murdered over the Thanksgiving weekend. Young and a church volunteer were beaten and stabbed to death, then burned. Ex-con Antonio Tyson has been arrested for the crime.

There’s been a lot of turmoil and finger-pointing at the Department of Children and Family Services, after two toddlers died from fentanyl overdoses on the agency’s watch. Now the Legislative Auditor’s office releases details from its survey of rank & file DCFS workers. The survey revealed that workers had issues with pay, caseloads, and unrealistic expectations. Emily Dixon with the Auditor’s Office says workers felt a lack of respect and were unsupported by supervisors and managers…:

CUT 10(10)      “…current conditions.”

DCFS has already started working on initiatives to address job satisfaction, job performance, and leadership. Dixon says so far they are working on increasing pay and filling job vacancies.

State Wildlife & Fisheries agents say a Natchitoches man was killed over the weekend, when his boat hit a tree fallen into the water of Cane River; ejecting him from the vessel. 37-year-old Jack Crowell was wearing a floatation device, but it was not inflated. Also in the baot, his 4-year-old son, who saw the whole thing.

Monroe Police report they responded to four overdose deaths in just under three days. Brooke Thorington has more…:

CUT 02(31)      “…Thorington.”

UL-Lafayette faces Houston in the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl Christmas weekend. Bowl executive Director Missy Setters…:

CUT 04(07)      “…lagniappe.”

Monroe Police responded to four overdose deaths over the weekend, during a 72 hour span. Monroe Police Chief Vic Zordan, who’s also a former DEA agent, says the first of the four overdoses happened last Thursday…:

CUT 07(13)      “…to the other.”

Zordan says they believe two of the overdose deaths are linked and the cases remain under investigation. He asks residents to call Crimestoppers with anything they know about overdoses or drug dealers.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control says flu cases are rising fast nationwide. How is the flu season in Louisiana shaping up? State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says the flu came earlier than normal this year and cases in Louisiana are on the rise…:

CUT 13(07)      “…still going up.”

Kanter says the best way to avoid getting sick is to get your flu shot as soon as possible.

The state Legislative Auditor’s office releases details from a survey about the level of satisfaction workers felt within the Department of Children and Family Services…:

CUT 03(30)      …Thomas.”

A central Louisiana State Trooper is on administrative leave after the allegedly violated a restraining order in Avoyelles parish. 31-year-old Trooper Nick Ducote was charged with domestic violence in early November, and the sheriff issued the order. Last week, he violated said order.

The UL-Lafayette Ragin Cajuns will make their first appearance in the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl on December 23^rd. Marsanne Golsby reports Shreveport is rolling out the red carpet.

Cut 1 (29) “I’m Marsanne Golsby ”

_________________________________________________

In three days, Monroe police responded to four overdose deaths. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

_______________________________________________

The Louisiana Legislative Auditor’s office releases details from a survey about the level of satisfaction workers felt within the Department of Children and Family Services. Whitney Thomas Reports

Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Whitney Thomas.”

________________________________________________

Shreveport will host the Independence Bowl for the 46^th time this year and two teams that have never been there will play. The UL-Lafayette Ragin Cajuns will face the Houston Cougars at 2 pm Friday, December 23^rd. Missy Setters is the Executive Director of the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl.

Cut 4 (07)  “…lagniappe.”

This will be the tenth time the two schools will face off against each other. The Cajuns won the last matchup in 2006. The Cougars lead the series six to three.Setters says the game and the festivities surrounding it should be a nice getaway for fans of both schools.

Cut 5 (10) “…day or two.”

Tickets are on sale now and are $30 for the end zone bench, $45 for sideline bench, and $65 for sideline chair back seats. Setters encourages fans to arrive in time for festivities the night before.

Cut 6 (09)  “…county line.” 

________________________________________________

Monroe Police responded to four overdose deaths over the weekend in the span of just 72 hours. Monroe Police Chief Vic Zordan, who’s also a former DEA agent, says the first of the four overdoses happened on Thursday.

Cut 7 (13) “…on to the other.”

Zordan wants to warn the public of what he believes is a particularly deadly strain of fentanyl. He says an arrest has been made in connection with one of the overdose deaths and they were able to…

Cut 8 (09)  “…laced product.”

Zordan says they believe two of the overdose deaths are linked and the cases remain under investigation. Because there were four deaths in such a short period, authorities want to alert the public. Zordan says they are also asking the public to contact them or Crimestoppers if they have any information about overdoses.

Cut 9 (05)  “…responsible for it.”

Zordan says as much as 67 percent of the drugs they process are shown to contain fentanyl. He says one milligram of fentanyl can kill a person and which is equivalent to 11 grains of table salt

___________________________________________

The Louisiana Legislative Auditor released details from a job satisfaction survey of child welfare workers within the Department of Children and Family Services. The survey revealed that workers had issues with pay, caseloads, and unrealistic expectations. Emily Dixon with Louisiana Legislative Auditor’s office says workers felt a lack of respect and were unsupported by supervisors and managers.

Cut 10 (10) “…current conditions.” 

Most issues respondents reported began over the previous governor and were carried from 2014.  The survey revealed 89% of workers are passionate about their work, and only 54% are actually satisfied with their job. Dixon says workers are forced to do more with fewer resources.

Cut 11 (09)  “…completing investigations.”

DCFS has already started working on initiatives to address job satisfaction, job performance, and leadership. Dixon says so far they are working on increasing pay and filling job vacancies.

Cut 12 (10) “…daily bases.”

___________________________________________

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control says flu cases are rising fast nationwide. How is the flu season in Louisiana shaping up? State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says the flu came earlier than normal this year and cases in Louisiana are on the rise…:

Cut 13 (07) “…still going up.”

Kanter says the best way to avoid getting sick is to get your flu shot as soon as possible. He says Louisiana medical providers are not yet overwhelmed by the flu, but the caseloads are rising fast…:

Cut 14 (07)  “…for flu symptoms.”

The CDC says nearly 9 million have gotten seriously sick with the flu so far this season and about 78-thousand had to be hospitalized. Dr. Kanter says the best way to lower your chances of flu-related downtime is to get the annual flu shot right away…:

Cut 15 (06)  “…month and a half early.”

Flu shots are available most everywhere. If you cannot afford one, visit your parish health unit and ask about a free flu shot. Locations are online at “ldh.la.gov”

A fight is brewing between state lawmakers, who passed a bill allowing telemedicine visits for medical cannabis prescriptions and the state Board of medical Examiners, who says doctors must first see the patient in-person. Gretna Representative Joe Marino is the law’s author. He says he wants the attorney general to make a ruling, because the current dispute hurts rural residents, who rely on telemedicine…:

CUT 05  (10)        “…smaller group.”

The Senate Health & Welfare committee will also discuss the disagreement this week.

The Secretary of State’s office predicts only about 15 percent of registered voters will cast a ballot in the December 10^th election. Deputy Secretary of State Joel Watson says roughly 115-thousand of us cast early votes or voted absentee…:

CUT 06(09)      “…for the election.”

District 1 Congressman Steve Scalise says he’ll work on fixing the ever-rising cost of National Flood Insurance in his next term. FEMA’s “Risk Rating 2.0” rate formula has meant drastically high premium increases for thousands of Louisianans. Some had to just give it up. Scalise says the House passed a flood insurance reform bill years ago, but it was killed in the Senate. He aims to revive that bill…:

CUT 11(05)      “…and make it work.”

Look for hot and sweaty pre-Christmas weather for the next week at least. State Climatologist Barry Keim says afternoon highs will range from the 70’s, then the mid-60’s…then into the 80’s. The reason? Warm wet air from the Gulf…:

CUT 12(10)      “…entire state.”

Keim says the warm will be with us for about another week.

Trial began today for a Baton Rouge woman accused of poisoning two men; her husband and a long-term boyfriend. Meshell Hale allegedly killed Damian Skipper in 2015. An autopsy detected the poison in his system. She’s also accused of killing husband Arthur Noflin in 2016 by a similar method. Noflin has a $750-thousand insurance policy, with Hale as sole beneficiary.

It may be Christmastime, but warm and muggy weather is expected across Louisiana for about the next week. Stat Climatologist Barry Keim says temperatures are running about 15 degrees above normal for early December, and Thursday we should see afternoon highs in the 80’s. After Thursday however, things will cool off a little bit…:

CUT 14          (11)    “…above normal.”

He says moisture from the Gulf is causing all this heat and humidity.

District 1 Congressman Steve Scalise says fixing the ever-rising cost of federal flood insurance is a priority for his next term in the U.S. House…:

CUT 02          (29)    “…Gallagher.”

Another Louisiana high school was locked down today for yet another threat. This time it was Port Barre High, where a bomb threat NOTE was posted on a bathroom wall. This is that school’s third threat in two weeks. Numerous schools across the state have had bomb threats and threats of violence made against them.

Only about 15-percent of registered voters have voted or are expected to vote in Saturday’s election. Ballots statewide will have three important constitutional amendments to decide, plus some runoffs and other local initiatives. Deputy Secretary of State Joel Watson says about 115-thousand people have early voted; 47-percent Democrat and 39-percent Republican…:

CUT 08  (11)        “…Election Day.”

Polls open Saturday at 7 am and close at 8 pm. Sampler ballots and poll locations are online at ”GeauxVote.org”

Warm, muggy and sometimes wet weather will pervade over the next several days across Louisiana. State Climatologist Barry Keim says highs in the 70 and upper 60’s will be with us a while…:

CUT 13(07)      “…of Louisiana.”

He says it’ll be about a week before we see any really cooler temperatures.

A state lawmaker seeks a legal opinion on whether medical marijuana patients can get a prescription through telemedicine. Marsanne Golsby has more…:

CUT 01(30)      “…Golsby.”

Despite a season that saw them go from unranked to leading the SEC West, LSU is outranked by Tulane in the AP regular season college football poll. The Green Wave finished 11-2, while the Tigers finished 9-4. By number: Tulane #14, LSU 16.