There are two U.S. House seats remaining on the ballot for this Saturday’s election. Jeff Palermo has more on the competitive races..:
CUT 1 (31) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

There aren’t many people expected to vote in this Saturday’s runoff and Secretary of State Tom Scheduler says he wants to start talking about eliminating December federal elections. He says it makes more sense finish up in November…:
CUT 8 (10) “this year”

President Obama is slated to sign the first major mental health bill in nearly a decade. It’s co-authored by US Senator Bill Cassidy. Emelie Gunn reports…:
Cut 1 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

The friend of the man on trial for murder in the death of former Saints player Will Smith took the stand today. Kevin O’Neal, who is a witness for the state, said he and the suspect, Cardell Hayes, were in fear for their safety from the beginning of the situation that lead to the shooting. The sequestered jury is hearing day 4 of testimony in the Smith trial.

The two remaining U.S. House races in Louisiana are heating up as the election is only two days away. ULM Political Science Professor John Sutherlin gives his take on the close 3rd Congressional District race between Republicans Captain Clay Higgins, aka the Cajun John Wayne, and Public Service Commissioner Scott Angelle…:
Cut 3 (10) “Angelle”
Most analysts agree that Republican Mike Johnson will win the 4th Congressional District seat over Democrat Marshall Jones.

Secretary of State Tom Schedler says based on the likelihood of low turnout on Saturday’s elections, he would like to have a conversations with the legislature about ending December elections. He says it might make more sense to have the primary for federal elections in early October and the runoff in November…:
Cut 6 (11) “and seniority”

Canadian air is moving towards Louisiana and bringing winter weather with it. Jeff Palermo reports…:
Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

Tis the season for holiday parties, and that means your company Christmas party too. Tulane business professor Dr. Mark Rosa says now that we’re out of the recession, he expects most companies will throw parties this year…:
CUT 1 (08) “get-together”
He says you should always consider an office Christmas party mandatory.

Louisiana has the best business climate for construction, according to a report from American Builders and Contractors. Vice President of Governmental Affairs with ABC of Louisiana, John Walters, hopes this ranking will persuade more companies to build in Louisiana.

Cut 6 (11) “of workers”

Walters says they’re working to help people advance their skills in this industry.

It’s beginning to feel a lot like winter in the Bayou State. State climatologist Barry Keim says it’s time for Louisianans to break out their cold weather gear.

Cut 10 (10) “the state”

Keim says today high temperatures will only be in the 40s for most of the state.

US Senator Bill Cassidy’s mental healthcare reform bill is on its way to be signed into law by the president. Cassidy says this legislation gives family members more access to their loved one’s doctors.

Cut 14 (11) “mental illness”

Cassidy says the bill will also keep mentally ill people out of jails and get them into treatment.

As holiday party invitations start flooding your inbox, Tulane business professor Mark Rosa has some do’s and don’ts for your office Christmas party. He says it’s important for people to circulate and detach from technology.

Cut 8 (08) “somebody else”

Rosa also warns against talking shop and running out early.

Louisiana has the best business climate for construction, according to a report from American Builders and Contractors. Halen Doughty has more:
CUT 1 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

Temperatures in Louisiana will be gradually falling throughout the day, and State Climatologist Barry Keim says you can expect it to freeze before week’s end…:
CUT 12 (12) “southern half”

A landmark mental health reform bill co-authored by Republican U.S Senator Bill Cassidy is on its way to be signed into law by the President. One of the thing the act does is strengthens suicide prevention programs. Cassidy says the legislation also provides more funding for the massive opiod crisis…:
CUT 15 (10) “that addiction”
He says it’s vital to expand access to resource for those who need treatment for mental disorders.

It’s office Christmas party time and it’s always good to brush up on reminders when it comes to imbibing with your co-workers. Tulane business professor Mark Rosa says always drink in moderation, and put your phone down and be social…:
CUT 8 (08) “somebody else”

USA Today is reporting that Alabama offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin is close to signing a deal to be the next head coach at Houston. Kiffin is said to be one of the main people LSU is seeking to hire to be OC under head coach Ed Orgeron.

Canadian air is moving towards Louisiana and bringing winter weather with it. Jeff Palermo reports…:
Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

So bundle up as you head out to your holiday office parties, and experts are advising you to also keep a few things in mind when letting your hair down with the boss. Tulane business professor Dr. Mark Rosa…:
CUT 9 (08) “in moderation”
He also says you should always consider an office holiday party mandatory.

A report from American Builders and Contractors ranks Louisiana as the best business climate for construction. Vice President of Governmental Affairs with ABC of Louisiana, John Walters, says the report shows you can have a very good career in the construction industry and there’s a demand for those workers…:
Cut 5 (11) “in Louisiana”
He credits good legislation in the state that benefits the construction industry.

There’s a lot of hype surrounding President-elect Donald Trump’s visit to Baton Rouge tomorrow to rally for US Senate candidate John Kennedy. But the state treasurer’s opponent, Democrat Foster Campbell, is requesting equal coverage of his candidacy the day before Saturday’s election. Campbell is holding a press availability in the morning at 9am, ahead of Mr. Trump’s appearance at the Baton Rouge Airport which is slated for noon.

Gas prices are on the rise once again. The current statewide average for a gallon of regular according to AAA is $2.04, more than 6 cents higher than a week ago.

A report from American Builders and Contractors ranks Louisiana as the best business climate for construction. Vice President of Governmental Affairs with ABC of Louisiana, John Walters, says that’s due in large part to legislation state lawmakers have passed that benefits the construction industry…:
cut 4 (12) “labor agreements”
He says they spend a lot of time and effort in training and education trying to make sure there is a skilled, qualified workforce in Louisiana.

The public is invited to attend the event tomorrow in Baton Rouge featuring president-elect Donald Trump who is coming to stump for US Senate candidate John Kennedy — but you have to RSVP. Mr. Trump is scheduled to be at the airport at noon. You can register online at EventBrite — search for “Trump.” Kennedy is facing Democrat Foster Campbell in Saturday’s runoff election.

A mental health reform bill co-authored by U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy is on its way to be signed into law by President Obama. Emelie Gunn has more…:
Cut 3 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

Get ready to bundle up…it’s cold outside. State Climatologist Barry Keim says high temperatures will only be in the 40s for most of Louisiana…:
cut 11 (09) “from Louisiana”
Keim says below freezing temperatures will arrive before the weekend starts.

A landmark mental health reform bill co-authored by Republican U.S Senator Bill Cassidy is on its way to be signed into law by the President. Cassidy says this measure will greatly benefit those who have mood disorders…:
Cut 13 (10) “health needs”
He says this legislation will also keep mentally ill individuals from going to jail and instead allow them to receive out-patient treatment.

Cold temperatures are on the way to the Bayou State. That’s according to state climatologist Barry Keim, who says it’s time for Louisianans to break out the winter gear…:
Cut 10 (10) “the state”
He says below freezing temperatures will arrive before the weekend starts.

Tis the season for holiday parties, and that means your company Christmas party too. Tulane business professor Dr. Mark Rosa says now that we’re out of the recession, he expects most companies will throw parties this year…:
CUT 7 (08) “get-together”
He says you should always consider an office Christmas party mandatory.

The Livingston Parish Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness Director is not holding back when it comes to speed of FEMA getting flood victims into temporary housing. In an interview with a Baton Rouge TV station, Mark Harrell said that FEMA needs to stop giving them lip service and get off their, “A” and deliver the units. He said FEMA has failed 100% when it comes to getting people with no home into the mobile units.

More than $1 billion in Community Development Block Grants for Louisiana is included in a continuing resolution that’s moving through Congress. Michelle Southern has more…

Cut 2 (28) “I’m Michelle Southern”

Bond was denied for one of the suspects in the Bourbon Street shooting that left one dead and nine other wounded. Prosecutors say the fight between Jordan Clay and Travon Manuel stemmed from a feud over a woman who is reportedly Clay’s ex-girlfriend and the mother of Manuel’s infant child. After the hearing, Manuel was remanded in custody without bail.

LSU releases the details of defensive coordinator Dave Aranda’s contract extension, which includes a first-year salary of $1.8 million. Tiger Rag Editor Cody Worsham expects whoever is hired as offensive coordinator will receive a similar salary.

Cut 12 (10) “it is”

Aranda is now the highest paid assistant in college football.

An entire family Avoyelles Parish were arrested after authorities found them making a pipe bomb inside their home.

Cut 4 (09) “…reason why”

That’s Sheriff Doug Anderson, who says they discovered the bomb while executing a search warrant on 38-year-old Jenus Juneau, who is suspected stealing $12-thousand worth of household goods.

Donald Trump will be in Baton Rouge Friday to support Republican John Kennedy in the US Senate race. UL-Lafayette political science Professor Pearson Cross says the visit isn’t really necessary, as Kennedy has a double digit lead over Democrat Foster Campbell, but it’s a nice gesture.
Cut 7 (09) “Kennedy”
The event begins at noon in the Dow Chemical Hangar at the Baton Rouge Airport.

During a budget hearing at the state capitol, republican legislators expressed concerns about the state’s health care budget, which contains two-point-eight billion dollars in general state tax dollars. Baton Rouge Representative Rick Edmonds…
cut 30 (11) “…agencies’
State Health Secretary Rebekah Gee says the state is actually saving dollars as a result of the expansion of the Medicaid program, because it’s brought more federal money to the state.

The US House Appropriations Committee has approved a continuing resolution that contains $1.2 billion in Community Development Block Grants for Louisiana flood relief. The Governor’s Communications director Richard Carbo adds that Congress should vote on the proposal by the end of the week, which will also contain dollars to fund other flood repair projects…:
Cut 9 (10) “for Louisiana”
Carbo says the state will still need federal assistance beyond this and we’ll go back to Washington DC again in April.

LSU has released the details on defensive coordinator Dave Aranda’s new three-year contract extension, which at the moment makes him the highest paid assistant coach in college football. Tiger Rag Editor Cody Worsham says he’s earned it…
cut 11 (08) “every dollar”
Aranda’s contract runs until March of 2020 and includes a first year salary of 1.8 million dollars.

President-elect Donald Trump will be in Baton Rouge Friday to encourage Louisianans to vote for Republican John Kennedy for U.S. Senate. Emelie Gunn has more…
CUT 1 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

Former Saints running back Pierre Thomas took the stand today and described what he saw when Cardell Hayes shot former NFL player Will Smith last April. Thomas says he thought a heated argument had cooled down. But Hayes attorneys say he shot Smith, because the retired athlete went back to his SUV to get a loaded gun.

The US House Appropriations Committee has approved a continuing resolution that contains $1.2 billion in Community Development Block Grants for Louisiana flood relief. Richard Carbo with the Governor’s office says they still have a long way to go, but it’s great to see this kind of support from Congress…:
Cut 8 (12) “as possible”
Carbo expects Congress to approve this money by the end of the week.

An entire family from Bunkie has been arrested on bomb making charges. Avoyelles Sheriff Doug Anderson says they executed a warrant on 38-year-old Jenus Juneau, who was accused of stealing $12-thousand worth of household goods, guns, and jewelry:
Cut 3 (12) “zone established”
No reason why they allegedly had bomb making material.