The state select championships are underway today in the Dome. The action kicked off at 10 this morning where Southern Lab is looking to repeat against Ascension Episcopal who is making its first appearance. In the Division 2 game, St. Thomas More looks for its first state title against defending champ Parkview. Scotlandville also looks for its first state championship against Evangel.

Grambling State will face Alcorn State in the SWAC Championship game tomorrow afternoon in Houston. The Tigers handled the Braves with ease when the teams played in late September, winning 43-18. Grambling Coach Broderick Fobbs says they are working on keeping in mind what the strengths and weaknesses are with Alcorn…:
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Grambling is averaging 44 points per game, a total that ranks fourth nationally in the Football Championship Subdivision.

In other college football action around the state this weekend…

In the Sun Belt, in state rivals UL Lafayette will take the field with ULM tomorrow afternoon in Malone Stadium. If the Ragin Cajuns win this one they will likely end up in the New Orleans Bowl.

In C-USA, Louisiana Tech travels to face Western Kentucky.

The man police say shot and killed former-NFL running back Joe McKnight has been released from police custody, according to the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office. McKnight was one of the best high school football players in the nation when he attended John Curtis. His former coach JT Curtis says McKnight was a great man…:
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Authorities say the shooter, 54-year-old Ronald Gasser claimed self-defense in the road range incident. Investigators say they are consulting the District Attorney’s Office on whether or not to file charges.

An arrest has been made in the case of the Bourbon Street shooting that left Demontris Toliver dead and 9 others injured. NOPD Chief Michael Harrison says 20-year-old Jordan Clay of Lafayette has been charged with 2^nd degree murder. He says a multi-agency investigation led to his arrest.

Cut (12) “…federal partners”

Harrison says Clay was arrested in St. Martin parish, where he is currently being held as he awaits extradition to New Orleans. A second shooter remains at large.

The man police say shot and killed former-NFL running back Joe McKnight has been released from police custody, according to the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office. Authorities say 54-year-old Ronald Gasser has not been formally charged, as he claimed self-defense in the shooting that followed a road rage incident yesterday afternoon. Investigators say they are consulting the District Attorney’s Office on whether or not to file charges.

Republican John Kennedy is leading in the US Senate race a week before the runoff, according to a new poll from Southern Media and Opinion Research. Pollster Bernie Pinsonat says the State Treasurer has been popular statewide for several years because he’s been critical of government spending.

Cut 13 (09) “a Republican”

The poll also finds 58-percent of respondents have a favorable view of Kennedy.

The Edwards’ family is getting in the holiday spirit as they will spend their first Christmas in the Governor’s Mansion. The family was displaced during the August flooding but are now settling back into life in the mansion. First Lady Donna Edwards is hosting a Joyeux Noel celebration at her home this afternoon at 3 p.m. to show off the improvements she’s made.

Cut 6 (08) “with that”

Guests of the event will be treated with holiday snacks, music and a special visit from Papa Noel.

The suspect in the shooting death of former-NFL player Joe McKnight has been released, according to the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office. Police say 54-year-old Ronald Gasser has not been charged, and the investigation is ongoing. Gasser reportedly admitted to shooting McKnight after a road rage incident in Terrytown, claiming self-defense.

Early voting ends tomorrow, and the turnout has been lower than expected. Secretary of State Tom Schedler says we’re seeing predominantly chronic voters turn out for early voting. He believes the low turnout is due to voter fatigue.

Cut 10 (10) “percent less”

Polls are open from 8:30 am until 6 pm during early voting, and Schedler says we’re seeing about 22-thousand voters a day at the polls.

A recent poll of 500 likely Louisiana voters finds Republican John Kennedy has a strong lead over Democrat Foster Campbell in the US Senate race. Southern Media and Opinion Research pollster Bernie Pinsonat says only about 10-percent of voters are undecided.

Cut 12 (09) “and Republicans”

The poll finds that Kennedy leads Campbell 52 to 38-percent.

The 2^nd Annual Winter Fete is underway in Alexandria. Director of Community Services, Daniel Williams, says they have stilt walkers, fire breathers, and face painting. He says they’ve also beefed up their attractions from last year.

Cut 15 (08) “holiday market”

Williams says they also have an Indie Market, which features unique arts and crafts.

The suspect in the shooting death of former NFL player and John Curtis Joe McKnight has been released according to JPSO spokesman John Fortunato. 54-year-old Ronald Gasser has not been charged, but Fortunato says the investigation, into what they had previously called an apparent road rage incident, is ongoing.

Just a week before the US Senate runoff, a Southern Media and Opinion Research poll finds Republican John Kennedy has a 14 point lead over Democrat Foster Campbell. Halen Doughty has more…:
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Vice President-elect Mike Pense is going to be in New Orleans tomorrow to rally for US Senate candidate John Kennedy. But the Executive Director of the Democratic Party Stephen Handwerk says he finds this ironic as the GOP had harsh words for Kennedy when he was a Democrat. Handwerk says Democratic candidate Foster Campbell’s message is resonating with voters:
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Pence will be joined by Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser and Attorney General Jeff Landry.

Early voting ends tomorrow and turnout has been lower than expected. Secretary of State Tom Schedler says we’re seeing about 22-thousand voters at the polls a day during this early voting week. He also says there’s been a bigger male turnout than female, which isn’t typical..:
Cut 9 (10) “optimistic”
For early voting the polls are open from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

New Orleans Police say they have caught a suspect in the shooting that left one person dead and injured nine others on Bourbon Street last weekend. 20-year-old Jordan Clay was taken into custody in St. Martin Parish on a warrant out of New Orleans for second degree murder. Officials say a second shooter remains at large. A news conference is scheduled for 9:45 a.m.

Vice President-elect Mike Pence will be in New Orleans tomorrow hosting a rally to get voters out to the poll for the December 10th runoff. Emelie Gunn has more:
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Former prep football star and NFL player Joe McKnight was killed Thursday afternoon in what the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office is calling a road rage incident. He starred at John Curtis and his coach there JT Curtis says McKnight’s death is a senseless tragedy…:
Cut 18 (10) “ turned violent”
Sheriff Newell Normand has identified the shooter as 54-year-old Ronald Gasser.

The 2nd annual Alex Winter Fête is underway in Alexandria. The three day festival drew almost 30-thousand people in its inaugural year. Director of Community Services, Daniel Williams, says this year will be bigger and better than last year…
cut 14 (10) “food vendors”
He says one of the most fun events of the weekend is the Ugly Sweater 5k which takes place tomorrow morning.

Early voting ends tomorrow and we’ve seen lower than expected voter turnout. Jeff Palermo has more…:
Cut 2 (28) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

A new poll from Southern Media and Opinion Research finds Republican John Kennedy still has a strong lead over Democrat Foster Campbell in the US Senate race. Pollster Bernie Pinsonat says the results are not surprising…:
cut 11 (09) “to 38”
He says it is unlikely Campbell will make a late charge as just under 10-percent of voters are undecided.

There’s been a tragedy in Jefferson Parish that’s claimed the life of a popular former NFL player from Louisiana. 28-year-old Joe McKnight, who played for John Curtis High School and was one of the best in the country, was killed in an apparent road rage incident. His former high school coach, J-T Curtis…:
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54-year-old Ronald Gasser is identified as the shooter.

Vice President-elect Mike Pence will attend a rally at the Lakefront Airport in support of US Senate candidate John Kennedy tomorrow after attending private fundraisers in New Orleans for the State Treasurer. Louisiana Republican Party Chairman Roger Villere says Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser and Attorney General Jeff Landry will also attend the rally..:
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The Democratic Party of Louisiana is still confident in their candidate, Foster Campbell.

Family, friends and fans are in shock with grief over the death of former NFL and John Curtis High School player Joe McKnight who was shot in an apparent Jefferson Parish road rage incident. His former high school coach, J-T Curtis, is devastated by the slaying of the 28-year-old…:
cut 17 (08) “just tragic”
Sheriff Newell Normand has identified the shooter as 54-year-old Ronald Gasser.

Early voting ends tomorrow and turnout has been lower than expected. Secretary of State Tom Schedler says we’re seeing about 22-thousand voters at the polls a day during this early voting week, down 10-thousand a day from the primary. He things could pick up…:
Cut 8 (10) “voter turnout”
Early voting polls are open from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Vice President-elect Mike Pence will be in New Orleans tomorrow hosting a get-out-the vote rally in support of US Senate candidate John Kennedy. Louisiana Republican Party Chairman Roger Villere says voters need to be reminded that there is still a ballot to be cast…:
cut 4 (08) “important election”
Louisiana Democratic Party executive director Stephen Handwerk believes Pence’s appearance is just for show. He says Republicans were very quick to condemn Kennedy when he was a registered Democrat…:
Cut 5 (04) “best hope”
Pence will headline the GOP event at Lakefront Airport at 1 p.m.

Vice President-elect Mike Pence will be in New Orleans tomorrow hosting a rally to get voters out to the poll for the December 10^th runoff. Emelie Gunn has more…

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Early voting ends tomorrow and we’ve seen lower than expected voter turnout. Jeff Palermo has more…

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Just a week before the US Senate runoff, a Southern Media and Opinion Research poll finds Republican John Kennedy has a 14 point lead over Democrat Foster Campbell. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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Vice President-elect Mike Pence will be in New Orleans tomorrow hosting a get-out-the vote rally to spotlight the U.S. Senate race. Louisiana Republican Party Chairman Roger Villere says Pence will voters to head to the polls on December 10^th and cast their ballot for Republican Treasurer John Kennedy.

cut 4  (08) “important election”

Louisiana Democratic Party executive director Stephen Handwerk believes Pence’s appearance is just for show. He says Republicans were very quick to condemn Kennedy when he was a registered Democrat…

Cut 5  (04)  “best hope”

Villere says the Vice President-elect will also meet with elected officials, Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser and Attorney General Jeff Landry to discuss the needs of Louisiana…

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Handwerk says Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Foster Campbell has made a career out of fighting for Louisiana families and he wants to take it to the next level as senator. He says Campbell’s message is resonating with voters.

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Early voting ends tomorrow and turnout has been lower than expected. Secretary of State Tom Schedler says we’re seeing about 22-thousand voters at the polls a day during this early voting week, down 10-thousand a day from the primary. He says that doesn’t mean things can’t pick up today and tomorrow…

Cut 8 (10) “voter turnout”

The November 8^th Presidential election had a voter turnout of 68-percent. Schedler says we’re seeing a more vigorous turnout on the Republican side than the Democratic side. He also says there’s been a bigger male turnout than female, which isn’t typical.

Cut 9 (10)  “optimistic”

Schedler says we’re seeing predominately chronic voters getting out to early vote. He says one reason for the low turnout is that voters are tired after the grueling November 8^th election.

Cut 10 (10)  “percent less”

For early voting the polls are open from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

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A new poll from Southern Media and Opinion Research finds Republican John Kennedy still has a strong lead over Democrat Foster Campbell in the US Senate race. Pollster Bernie Pinsonat says the results are not surprising.

cut 11 (09) “to 38”

Kennedy leads Campbell 52 to 38-percent just over a week before the December 10th runoff. Voters are split about Campbell, according to the poll of 500 likely Louisiana voters, as 46-percent view him favorably and 45-percent unfavorably. Pinsonat says it is unlikely Campbell will make a late charge as just under 10-percent of voters are undecided.

cut 12 (09) “and Republicans”

The poll finds 58-percent of respondents have a favorable view of Kennedy, while only 35-percent have unfavorable views of the State Treasurer. Pinsonat says Kennedy has been very popular statewide for the past several years, because he’s been a vocal critic of government spending.

Cut 13 (09) “a Republican”

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The 2nd annual Alex Winter Fêteis underway in Alexandria. The three day festival drew almost 30-thousand people in its inaugural year. Director of Community Services, Daniel Williams, says this year will be bigger and better than last year.

cut 14 (10) “food vendors”

Williams says they have a Polar Express train for kids, as well as their Indie Market, which features unique arts and crafts. He says there’s stilt walkers, fire breathers, face painting, and even Santa will be there. He says they’ve also beefed up their attractions from last year.

Cut 15 (08) “holiday market”

A firework show will take place tonight at 9:00. Williams says they’ve expanded their ice skating rink to include a kids section, in an effort to cut back on wait times to skate. He says one of the most fun events of the weekend is the Ugly Sweater 5k.

Cut 16 (10) “at 8″

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The football world is mourning the death of Joe McKnight, who was fatally shot in what authorities believe was a road rage incident in Jefferson Parish. McKnight was one of the top high school football players in the country coming out of John Curtis High School in 2006. His former high school coach, J-T Curtis, is devastated by the slaying of the 28-year-old…

Cut 17 (08)    “just tragic “

McKnight played at USC and was drafted by the New York Jets and also played for the Kansas City Chiefs. He spent this past season in the Canadian Football League. Curtis says McKnight’s death is a senseless tragedy…

Cut 18 (10) “ turned violent”

Jefferson Parish sheriff deputies received a call Thursday afternoon about a shooting in Terrytown. First responders found McKnight lying on the ground next to his car suffering from a gunshot wound. Sheriff Newell Normand has identified the shooter as 54-year-old Ronald Gasser. Curtis says McKnight will be remembered as a good person…

Cut 19 (12)   “affiliated with”

The football world is mourning the death of Joe McKnight, who was fatally shot in what authorities believe was a road rage incident in Jefferson Parish. McKnight was one of the top high school football players in the country coming out of John Curtis High School in 2006. His former head coach, J-T Curtis, is devastated by the slaying of the 28-year-old.

Cut 17 (08) “just tragic”

McKnight played at USC and was drafted by the New York Jets and also played for the Kansas City Chiefs.

Medicaid expansion enrollment has surpassed the 351-thousand mark, according to the Louisiana Department of Health. Secretary Dr. Rebekah Gee says Medicaid expansion should lead to better health outcomes for working citizens who were previously uninsured.

Cut 7 (09) “healthcare”
Bayou Country Superfest has announced the lineup for next year’s festival, which includes headliners Blake Shelton and his ex-wife Miranda Lambert. Producer Quint Davis says it will be interesting to see how the two megastars interact.

Cut 13 (08) “about that”

Other headliners include Thomas Rhett, Brooks & Dunn, Rascal Flatts, and Hank Williams Jr.

The Cajundome officially reopens tonight with a brand new look, after a 22-million dollar renovation. Cajundome Director Greg Davis says the new improvements will help with getting big name acts.

Cut 10 (11) “live entertainment”

Tonight the Ragin’ Cajuns men’s basketball team will take on Nicholls State.

Jefferson Parish Sheriff Newell Normand confirms former-NFL star Joe McKnight was killed this afternoon. The former-New York Jets and Kansas City Chief running back was reportedly shot after a road rage incident turned violent in Terrytown.  Normand says the shooter has been identified as 54-year-old Ronald Gasser, who turned his gun and himself into authorities.

More the 351-thousand Louisianans are now enrolled in Medicaid as part of the expanded healthcare program, according to the Louisiana Department of Health. Emelie Gunn has more…

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A bill that seeks to reform mental healthcare has passed the US House. Senator Bill Cassidy coauthored the legislation and says there are three times more mentally ill individuals in jails than in hospitals.

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Cassidy says on average people with mental illness die 20 years younger than those without it.

Bayou Country Superfest has announced next year’s lineup, which features Blake Shelton, Miranda Lambert, Brooks & Dunn, Rascal Flatts, Thomas Rhett, and Hank Williams Jr. Producer Quint Davis says BCS is all new again because it’s coming to New Orleans for the first time.

Cut 12 (10) “country music”

The three day festival was moved to the Superdome because of renovations to Tiger Stadium.