The Transportation Task Force votes today on a recommendation that the budget for roads and bridges be increased by 700 million dollars a year. DOTD Secretary Shawn Wilson says the 20-cent gas tax the state imposed 30 years ago is only worth half of that today. He says the state has 16 million dollars in projects needed, including a new Mississippi River Bridge through Baton Rouge and those projects need funding.
Cut 5 (10) “state system”

Congressman Garret Graves spoke before the Baton Rouge Press Club and expressed his frustration with flood recovery. Graves says he’s had the opportunity to talk with President-elect Trump about the timeline of FEMA assistance. He says the future president agreed the efficiency of appropriating flood dollars to victims was absurd.
Cut 8 (10) “for itself.”

 
New Orleans Representative Helena Moreno has developed a nonprofit organization to advocate for women’s issues in Louisiana. Moreno says she wants to address issues like wage equality, along with educational opportunities and domestic violence prevention.
Cut 14 (09) “deserve it”

Moreno says Louisiana ranks 49th for overall health with many women dying of breast and cervical cancer.

The Louisiana Department of Health says they’ve seen a big uptick in cases of the mumps in states surrounding Louisiana. Dr. Frank Welch with LDH says Mississippi, Alabama, Texas and Arkansas have seen outbreaks. He says Louisiana has a fairly high vaccination rate which shelters us from the mumps but the public can still take precautions to avoid the disease.

Cut 11 (10) “your doctor”
He says the mumps are airborne and can be passed by saliva and mucus.

The Transportation Task Force has begun its meeting on recommendations for how to fix Louisiana’s roads and bridges, and the need that is present to get us where we need to be. DOTD Secretary Sean Wilson says with a good annual investment, Louisiana can have an infrastructure system that we can be proud of….:
Cut 6 (07) “one time solution”
Some of the potential solutions include an increased gas tax, vehicle permits, and vehicle registration for commercial vehicles only.

New Orleans Representative Helena Moreno has launched a nonprofit organization dedicated to advocating for women’s issues in Louisiana. Moreno says the Ignite Advocacy seeks to raise awareness and advocate for positive policies that protect women…:
Cut 13 (12) “a change”
She invites women to join by visiting IgniteForChange.org.

A father is booked into East Baton Rouge Parish prison on negligent homicide charges amid allegations he caused the death of his 4-year-old son as the two were “play fighting.” Cops say a witness advised they observed 25-year-old Kristopher Carter punching the toddler and encouraging him to punch back. The death was ruled a homicide because the child died from blunt force trauma to his small bowel.

The Louisiana Department of Health has seen an uptick in mumps cases around the country and is concerned the disease could find its way here. Emelie Gunn has more…:
Cut 3 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

The Transportation Task Force will vote on recommendations today that they plan to present to the governor;, including a $700 million dollar a year budget increase for roads and bridges. Halen Doughty reports…:
CUT 1 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

The Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office says a woman and an infant are in the hospital with serious injuries following a hit an run accident at a school bus stop. 19-year-old Michael Dunn is charged with felony hit and run and reckless operation in the incident.

The Louisiana Department of Health says they are on high alert for mumps cases as there have been reports of the infection surrounding the state. Cases have been reported in Arkansas, Mississippi, Alabama and Texas. Dr. Frank Welch with LDH says most kids in our state have had two doses of the MMR vaccine, but adults can receive it as well…:
cut 12 (10) “against this”
Welch says the mumps is easily spread as it’s airborne and can be passed along by saliva and mucus.

Congressman Garret Graves isn’t happy that the Restore Louisiana Task Force plans to appropriate flood relief dollars based on income level. He says the massive rain showers didn’t discriminate and neither should disaster aid…:
CUT 9 (12) “per household”
He says the efficiency of getting flood relief dollars to victims is absurd.

The Transportation Task Force will vote today on a recommendation that the budget for roads and bridges be increased by $700 million a year. DOTD Secretary Shawn Wilson says they need an annual infusion of dollars that’s indexed for the Transportation Trust Fund…:
cut 4 (07) “million dollars”
He says that money could come from toll roads, public-private partnerships, or an increase in the gas tax.

New Orleans Representative Helena Moreno has launched a nonprofit organization dedicated to advocating for women’s issues in Louisiana. Moreno invites women around the state to join her effort by visiting IgniteForChange.org…:
Cut 15 (11) “things done”
Moreno says Ignite is the next phase of the #ItsNoJoke campaign, which she started after a male lawmaker made degrading jokes about exotic dancers.

Congressman Garret Graves spoke before the Baton Rouge Press Club to discuss his feelings about flood relief in the state. Don Molino has more…:
Cut 2 (24) “I’m Don Molino”

Orleans Parish District Attorney Leon Cannizzaro says he plans to seek the maximum 60-year sentence for Cardell Hayes following his manslaughter conviction in the death of Will Smith, and attempted manslaughter for injuring Smith’s wife. Hayes is set for sentencing on February 17th. The judge can allow the sentences for the two charges be served concurrently, but Cannizzaro says this crime is too serious for Hayes to spend less than 60 years jail.

Congressman Garret Graves spoke before the Baton Rouge Press Club to express his frustration with the flood recovery and what he hopes to accomplish with President-elect Donald Trump. Graves says the fact that some families will not be placed in a FEMA trailer until after Christmas is ridiculous…:
CUT 7 (10) “status quo”
Graves said the FEMA response needs to be “Cajunized” in reference to the Cajun Navy who began rescuing people with their personal boats immediately as water started coming into homes in August.

A father is booked into East Baton Rouge Parish prison on negligent homicide charges amid allegations he caused the death of his 4-year-old son as the two were “play fighting.” Cops say a witness advised they observed 25-year-old Kristopher Carter punching the toddler and encouraging him to punch back. The death was ruled a homicide because the child died from blunt force trauma to his small bowel.

The Louisiana Department of Health says they’ve been seeing an uptick in mumps cases around college campuses nationwide but more recently a large concentration in Arkansas. Dr. Frank Welch with LDH says this is too close for comfort.
Cut 10 (07) “this outbreak”
Welch says everyone should be vaccinated for mumps.

Saints players are speaking out about the tragedy of the Will Smith case following the manslaughter conviction of the killer Cardell Hayes. Smith was a friend and former mentor of New Orleans defensive end Cam Jordan. In the locker room Monday, Jordan says the loss of Smith is a pain he can’t describe…:
Cut 18 (14) “you can’t make sense of”

In light of Republican victories in all of Louisiana’s federal runoffs, the Louisiana Republican Party says Democratic Governor John Bel Edwards’ victory in last year’s gubernatorial race was a fluke. Executive Director Jason Dore fully expects the governor to be voted out in the next election.

Cut 17 (08) “in 2019”

Louisiana Democrats did get a win in Baton Rouge with the election of Sharon Weston Broome as mayor-president.

The Transportation Task Force is recommending that the budget for roads and bridges be increased by $700 million a year. DOTD Secretary Shawn Wilson says the need in Louisiana is great, and in order to address that need, they need an annual infusion of dollars that’s indexed for the Transportation Trust Fund.

Cut 24 (07) “million dollars”

Not surprisingly, Mike Johnson won the 4^th Congressional District seat being vacated by Congressman John Fleming. Johnson says he believes the Republican wave moving across the nation means that God has given the country another chance.

Cut 4 (10) “in generations”

Johnson says he looks forwards to being part of the real reform the Trump Administration is going to bring.

In the 3^rd District, Capt. Clay Higgins defeated Public Service Commissioner Scott Angelle 56 to 44-percent. Higgins perhaps rode a wave of Donald Trump enthusiasm, as the man who has never held an elected office is heading to Washington to represent more than 760-thousand Louisianans.

Cut 7 (08) “my district”

Higgins says his victory is proof that voters are tired of millionaire career politicians.

Cardell Hayes has been found guilty of manslaughter in the shooting death of former-Saints player Will Smith. Loyola law professor Dane Ciolino says it isn’t surprising the jury went for the manslaughter charge. He says the verdict is consistent with the evidence.

Cut 9 (11) “the shooting”

Hayes could serve up to 60 years in prison, and Orleans Parish District Attorney Leon Cannizzaro says he plans to seek the max. Cannizzaro says he understands why the jury downgraded the charge from second degree murder…:

Cut 12 (12) “aggressive fashion”

Hayes was also found guilty of attempted manslaughter for shooting Smith’s wife Racuqel in both legs.

What does a dog do when it catches a car? Those are the words Capt. Clay Higgins used to open his acceptance speech after winning the 3^rd Congressional District race. Higgins beat Public Service Commissioner Scott Angelle 56 to 44-percent in Saturday’s election.

Cut 6 (07) “overwhelmed”

Higgins says his victory is proof that voters are tired of millionaire career politicians.

As expected, Republican state lawmaker Mike Johnson is the runaway winner in the 4th Congressional District race. Johnson says he looks forward to being a part of the real reform the Trump Administration is going to lead.

Cut 3 (10) “the country”

Johnson says every bit of change Mr. Trump says he’s going to bring needs to happen

Cardell Hayes will likely serve at least 20 years in prison after being found guilty of manslaughter in the shooting death of former-Saints player Will Smith. Michelle Southern gets an analysis on the verdict…
Cut 2 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

Today Governor John Bel Edwards announces that Louisiana will receive nearly 26 million dollars in funding for the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program by FEMA for the devastating March floods. The money could be used to support state and parish projects to help prevent disasters in the future. The state will receive 3 million dollars and 23- million dollars will go to parishes that received a federal disaster deceleration.

 
Republican state representative Mike Johnson is the runaway winner in the 4th congressional district race as expected. Johnson won the seat vacated by John Fleming. Johnson says our government is too large and it’s doing too many things wrong…
Cut 5 (09) “as the state”

Johnson says the Republican wave moving across the nation means that God has given the nation another chance…:

The Louisiana GOP says with the Republican sweep of federal runoff elections on Saturday, it’s proof the Democratic Governor John Bel Edwards’ election was a fluke. Executive Director of the State Republican Party Jason Dore says Foster Campbell didn’t lose the U.S. Senate race because he’s a Democrat, it’s because he’s tied to the governor.
Cut 15 (04) “he endorsed”

But Democrats did get a win in Baton Rouge as Sharon Weston Broome was elected as Mayor/President.

The man who shot and killed former Saints player Will Smith has been found guilty of manslaughter. Loyola law professor Dane Ciolino says the defense spent a lot of time trying to point fingers at police for not handling the evidence properly and the prosecution for misconduct. But he says those attempts to distract the jury clearly didn’t work.

Cut 11 (07) “himself”

Hayes was also found guilty of attempted manslaughter for shooting Smith’s wife Racquel in both legs.

Hayes will face at least 20 years in prison, but Orleans Parish DA Leon Cannizzaro says he will seek the maximum 60 year sentence. He says when Hayes goes to court for sentencing on February 12, they will present the victim impact because they believe Hayes should get the maximum.

Cut 14 (12) “come out”

In light of a Republican victories in all of Louisiana’s federal runoffs, the Louisiana Republican Party says Democratic Governor John Bel Edwards’ victory in last year’s gubernatorial race was a fluke. Executive Director Jason Dore says Edwards says in the governor’s mansion are numbered, and he fully expects the governor to be voted out in the next election.

Cut 17 (08) “in 2019”

One of the GOP victors is Mike Johnson, who won the 4^th Congressional District seat. Johnson says he believes the Republican wave moving across the nation means that God has given the country another chance.

Cut 4 (10) “in generations”

Louisiana Democrats did get a win in Baton Rouge with the election of Sharon Weston Broome as mayor-president.

Orleans Parish District Attorney Leon Cannizzaro says he plans to seek the maximum 60-year sentence for Cardell Hayes following his manslaughter conviction in the death of Will Smith, and attempted manslaughter for injuring Smith’s wife. Cannizzaro says this was the murder of a hero who was just trying to have fun in New Orleans…:
CUT 13 (10) “road rage incident”
He says they believe Hayes should get the maximum 60 years.

The Republican Party in Louisiana says the past Saturday’s election near GOP sweep is proof that Governor John Bel Edwards’ days are numbered. LA-GOP spokesman Jason Dore says last year’s governor race had more to do with scandal than platforms…:
CUT 16 (07) “the race”
No comment from the Louisiana Democratic Party.

Two new Republican leaders are heading to Washington after GOP victories in both the 3rd and 4th Congressional District races. Don Molino has more…:
CUT 1 (28) “I’m Don Molino”

According to ESPN, Alabama offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin has agreed to become Florida Atlantic’s coach. Kiffin was being pursued by LSU to be offensive coordinator under head coach Ed Orgeron. It’s now reported that LSU’s top choice for OC is Pittsburgh offensive coordinator Matt Canada.