It was announced last night that the 41^st President of the United States, George H.W. Bush has died.  It was in New Orleans that his road to the White House became official when he accepted the nomination at the GOP National Convention at the Superdome in 1988.  It was during his acceptance speech, he uttered words, “read my lips” in his now-famous speech.  While his son George W. Bush was criticized for his response to Hurricane Katrina, the elder Bush was applauded for his efforts in establishing the Bush-Clinton Katrina fund, which he formed with Former President Bill Clinton that donated millions to local schools, libraries, and non-profits.  Bush was preceded in death by his wife Barbara, who passed away earlier this year. George H.W. Bush was 94 years old.

Governor John Bel Edwards is meeting with Governors-elect from several states today to highlight results of Medicaid expansion in Louisiana today.  Edwards will tour a New Orleans health center as well as meet with patients who have gained access to health care under the expansion.   The governors-elect will take the information back to their states as they work on health care issues upon taking office in January.

A 23-year-old North Shreveport woman was seriously injured from a gunshot wound she received in the back.  Her two-year-old child is believed to have accidentally discharged the unsecured weapon.  The investigation is ongoing.

A federal judge has ordered $34.8 million in restitution from the owner of Explo Systems, a military contractor hired to demilitarize artillery charges at Camp Minden in Webster Parish, in a case stemming from a huge munitions blast in 2012 due to illegal dumping of the materials.  US Attorney David Joseph says it was a difficult case to clean up.

Cut 6 (12) “…at Camp Minden.”

Holiday traditions and events around the Bayou State are becoming quite the draw for visitors.  Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says Louisiana is more often becoming the place where families congregate for the holiday festivities.

Cut 13 (11) “…all over Louisiana.”

A Louisiana school that produced viral videos showing its students receiving acceptance letters to prestigious universities is now accused of falsifying transcripts. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

Former US President George HW Bush has passed away.  The news came late last night.  He served in the nation’s highest office from 1989 until 1993.  It was at the Louisiana Superdome where Bush was officially nominated to the Republican ticket in August 1988.  It was in New Orleans that he also announced Dan Quayle as his running mate.  He is preceded in death by his wife Barbara, who passed away earlier this year.  George HW Bush was 94.

Holiday traditions and events around the Bayou State are becoming quite the draw for visitors.  Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says, it’s a great time to take the family around the state to take in some of the great celebrations.

Cut 12 (11)   “…parade on Saturday.”

A federal judge has ordered $34.8 million in restitution from the owner of Explo Systems, a military contractor hired to demilitarize artillery charges at Camp Minden in Webster Parish, in a case stemming from a huge munitions blast in 2012 due to illegal dumping of the materials.  In addition to the restitution, five people are heading to the clink with sentences between 2-5 years.  US Attorney David Joseph says he’s happy with the outcome.

Cut 7 (07) “…was done here.”

A Koch brother’s backed conservative advocacy group will begin airing anti-gas tax ads on social media and at gas station video screens across the state this weekend ahead of next year’s legislative session that may include a push to raise the tax to pay for road projects. Americans for Prosperity State Director John Kay says gas taxes hurt everyday Louisianans most.

Cut 10 (07)   “…Louisiana”

Last year infrastructure advocates attempted to pass a 17 cent gas tax that would have raised half a billion dollars a year.

Former US President George HW Bush has passed away.  The news came late last night.  He served in the nation’s highest office from 1989 until 1993.  It was at the Louisiana Superdome where Bush was officially nominated to the Republican ticket in August 1988.  He is preceded in death by his wife Barbara, who passed away earlier this year.  George HW Bush was 94.

A federal judge has ordered $34.8 million in restitution from the owner of Explo Systems, a military contractor hired to demilitarize artillery charges at Camp Minden in Webster Parish, in a case stemming from a huge munitions blast in 2012 due to illegal dumping of the materials.  US Attorney David Joseph says the state has already been reimbursed for the cost it incurred from the case, so the restitution would be going toward the military.

Cut 8 (03) “…is currently due.”

Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says you should check out the  Nachitoches Chrismas Festival, which is in its 92^nd year in 2018, as the one of the state’s staple Christmas celebrations, and a great family friendly experience.

Cut 14 (11) “…lights and celebration.”

The nine matchups are set for next week’s state football championships. The game of the night last night was in Destrehan as the Class 5A defending champion Zachary Broncos outlasted the Wildcats 67-57. Zachary will play top seeded West Monroe as the Rebels blanked John Ehret 28-0. West Monroe has not allowed a point in the postseason.

In Four-A, top seeded Karr defeated Neville 25-13 and the Cougars will face Warren Easton who crushed Leesville 54-14. In Three-A, fourth seeded Sterlington upended Iota (Eye-oh-tuh) 21-12, while Eunice (U-niss) blanked Kaplan 19-0.
In Two-A….second-seeded Amite beat Ferriday 44-20 and the Warriors will go up against defending champ Welsh, who beat top seeded Many (Man-ee) 28-21

And finally in One-A, top seeded Oak Grove blanked West St. John 30-0 and the Tigers will face Kentwood, who beat Haynesville 20-14.

________________________________________________________

No LSU game today, but three teams from Louisiana are in action. At 11 AM its the first ever Sun Belt Championship game as the Ragin Cajuns face Appalachian State. A win for UL Lafayette and they’ll go back to the New Orleans Bowl for the sixth time in eight years, a loss willl send the Cajuns to Orlando for the AutoNation Cure Bowl.

Southern brings a five-game winning streak into the SWAC title game and the Jaguars will face Alcorn State.

And in the FCS playoffs, Nichollls will battle third seeded Eastern Washington at 4 PM. The Eagles are very good at running the football, while the Colonels defend the run very well.

LSU finds out its bowl destination tomorrow. Fiesta, Peach and Outback Bowl are the most likely options.

Saints fans will be Lion fans tomorrow as they’ll be rooting for Detroit to beat the Los Angles Rams, so that the Black and Gold can move to the top spot in the NFC Standings. New Orleans will visit Tampa Bay next weekend.

In the NBA, the Pelicans fell behind by 31 points to Miami and lost to the Heat 106-101.

A Koch brother’s backed conservative advocacy group will begin airing anti-gas tax ads on social media and at gas station video screens across the state this weekend ahead of next year’s legislative session that may include a push to raise the tax to pay for road projects. Americans for Prosperity State Director John Kay says gas taxes hurt everyday Louisianans most.

Cut 10 (07)   “…Louisiana”

Last year infrastructure advocates attempted to pass a 17 cent gas tax that would have raised half a billion dollars a year.

The Saints win streak ends in disapointing fashion in prime time against the Cowboys in a 13-10 loss. It’s the second Texas based game in a row to feature iffy calls against Louisiana teams, including a targeting call in the 4th, but Coach Sean Peyton isn’t sweating it.

Cut 5 (11)  “…do enough” 

A federal judge has ordered $34.8 million in restitution from the owner of Explo Systems, a military contractor hired to demilitarize artillery charges at Camp Minden in Webster Parish, in a case stemming from a huge munitions blast in 2012 due to illegal dumping of the materials.  US Attorney David Joseph says the state has already been reimbursed for the cost it incurred from the case, so the restitution would be going toward the military.

Cut 8 (03) “…is currently due.”

Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says you should check out the  Nachitoches Chrismas Festival, which is in its 92^nd year in 2018, as the one of the state’s staple Christmas celebrations, and a great family friendly experience.

Cut 14 (11) “…lights and celebration.”

Other events this weekend include Christmas in the Park in Bogalusa, Winter Fete in Alexandria, there’s a Christmas Parade in Jeanerette on Sunday and there’s the always popular Celebration in the Oaks in New Orleans.

Americans for Prosperity launches an anti-gas tax campaign on Saturday with ads on social media and gas station video screens…
Cut 2 (30) “Im Matt Doyle”

Shreveport Police are looking for one or more people who fired gunshots at a five-year-old boy and a man and a woman who arrived at a location to sell a puppy. Authorities say the child was shot once, while the adults were shot multiple times. The gunshot wounds to the three individuals are not considered life threatening. A motive for the shooting has not been established. The puppy was not hit by gunfire.

It was a really frustrating night for the Black and Gold as the Saints were held to 176 yards of total offense in a 13-10 loss to Dallas. Quarterback Drew Brees threw for just 39 yards in the first half and ended up with 127 yards passing. Coach Sean Payton says not enough success on first down, led to a long night…
cut 4 (10) “…in this game”
The loss ends the Saints 10-game winning streak and they drop to second place in the NFC as the Rams now own the best record in the league.

With no Saints or LSU game this weekend, it’s an excellent opportunity for Louisiana residents to check out one of the many weekend holiday festivals that are planned. Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says these festivals are helping to attract out of state visitors, especially those who have loved ones in the Bayou State….
cut 13 (11) “…over Louisiana”
The Natchitoches Christmas Festival begins tomorrow, there’s also winter fete in Alexandria and Christmas in the Park in Bogalusa.

A Louisiana school that produced viral videos showing its students receiving acceptance letters to prestigious universities is now accused of falsifying transcripts. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

Holiday traditions and events around the Bayou State are becoming quite the draw for visitors.  Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says, it’s a great time to take the family around the state to take in some of the great celebrations.

Cut 12 (11)   “…parade on Saturday.”

All good things must come to an end and the Saints 10-game winning streak ended last night with a 13-10 loss to Dallas. New Orleans was held to 176 total yards of offense as Quarterback Drew Brees was under duress for much of the game

Cut 3 (12) “we are doing”

The Saints record falls to 10-2 and they slip to second in the NFC.

A federal judge has ordered $34.8 million in restitution from the owner of Explo Systems, a military contractor hired to demilitarize artillery charges at Camp Minden in Webster Parish, in a case stemming from a huge munitions blast in 2012 due to illegal dumping of the materials.  In addition to the restitution, five people are heading to the clink with sentences between 2-5 years.  US Attorney David Joseph says he’s happy with the outcome.

Cut 7 (07) “…was done here.”

A federal judge has ordered $34.8 million in restitution from the owner of Explo Systems, a military contractor hired to demilitarize artillery charges at Camp Minden in Webster Parish, in a case stemming from a huge munitions blast in 2012 due to illegal dumping of the materials.  US Attorney David Joseph says it was a difficult case to clean up.
Cut 6 (12) “…at Camp Minden.”
In addition to the restitution, five people in the company are receiving sentences of between 2 to 5 years behind bars.

A Koch brother’s backed conservative advocacy group will begin airing anti-gas tax ads on social media and at gas station video screens across the state this weekend ahead of a legislative session next year that reportedly may include a push to raise the tax to pay for road projects. Americans for Prosperity State Director John Kay says it’s no time for another tax.
Cut 9 (10) “you can”

All good things must come to an end and the Saints 10-game winning streak ended last night with a 13-10 loss to Dallas. New Orleans was held to 176 total yards of offense as Quarterback Drew Brees was under duress for much of the game. The officials missed an obvious targeting penalty when Dallas linebacker Jaylon Smith made helmet-to-helmet contact on Alvin Kamara. Instead of punting, the Saints should have received a first down on a critical drive in the fourth quarter. Coach Sean Payton was asked about the hit in the postgame.

Cut 5 (11)  “…do enough” 

The Saints record falls to 10-2 and they slip to second in the NFC.

Here’s a look at commodities

It was a tough night in Dallas as the Saints drop a shocker 13-10 to the Cowboys. Brees threw for just 39 yards in the first half and ended up with 127 yards passing. New Orleans couldn’t get its run game going as Alvin Kamara was held to 36 yards rushing, while Mark Ingram had just 27 yards on the ground. Coach Sean Payton says not enough success on first down, led to a long night…

Cut 4 (10) “in this game″

The loss takes the road to the Super Bowl out of New Orleans and into Los Angeles in the NFC.

Good news for the thousands of motorists who use the Sunshine Bridge in St. James Parish. The bridge was closed last month for repairs after a barge hit the structure, but it will be partially reopened tomorrow. DOTD spokesperson Rodney Mallett says keep in mind it’s only one lane each way.

Cut 9 (05) “…a lot of people.”

Today marks the end of a hurricane season that now researchers are now saying they initially under-predicted.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (32) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

Congressman Ralph Abraham is not ruling out a run for governor less than a year out from the 2019 contest that will see the south’s only Democrat incumbent governor take on a Republican field that has yet to fully materialize. Abraham told the Advocate that he’s “leaning to run” at the moment and is “definitely looking”. He said he’ll make his call by the end of the year. Senator John Kennedy says he’ll make his decision by Monday.

Today marks the final day of the 2018 hurricane season, a season that was initially forecasted to be near normal. While the season only saw two major hurricanes, Colorado State University hurricane researcher Phil Klotzbach, says both brought devastation to the areas they made landfall with Hurricane Florence having a death toll of 53 and Hurricane Michael with 43 and counting.

Cut 5 (07) “…of Florida respectively.”

The season saw 15 named storms, 7 of them hurricanes.

President Donald Trump’s approval is up to a clear majority of voters in Louisiana in a new poll from Bernie Pinsonat. He’s at 70 percent amoung whites, hut his popularity has tanked with black voters who make up nearly a third of the population. Those voters almost universally dislike Trump, with 86 percent disapproving of his job, Pinsonat says politically that may not matter…

Cut 12 (07)   “his corner.”

His total approval was 55 percent.

After being closed to repair damages sustained from a collision with a crane last month, the Sunshine Bridge in St. James Parish will be partially reopening to traffic tomorrow, but it comes with some restrictions.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (21) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”  

Three are injured after a family trip to pick up a puppy ended in an ambush. Shereveport authorities say one juevenile and a man and women were hit by gunfire after agreeing to meet an unknown suspect that they planned to buy a puppy from, and upon arrival, the family says they were jumped by gunmen. The three victims were taken to Ochsner LSU Health with non-life-threatening injuries. The investigation into the ambush is still on going.