State Police say two Town of Franklinton employees are under arrest accused of stealing over $22,000 in water and utility payments from residents. Eric Gill has the story…:
CUT 1 (31) “reporting”

In North Louisiana State Police is working a tragic fatal accident along I-20. They say it happened near the Lincoln Parish rest area and caused major travel delays heading west. There are no other details on this crash at this time but we’ll have more as it develops.

LSU’s ticket office says they have about seven-hundred tickets left for the Music City Bowl on December 30th. On that day the 22nd ranked Tigers will take on Notre Dame in Nashville and LSU ticket office manager Brian Broussard is expecting to sell its allotted eight-thousand tickets…:
CUT 12 (11) “over that time”
LSU sold only six-thousand tickets for last year’s Outback Bowl against Iowa.

Saints Coach Sean Payton calls a report that he’ll leave at the end of the season…silly. Payton says there’s absolutely no way that will happen. Payton also says expect to see plenty of safety Kenny Vaccaro on Monday, even though a report came out earlier this week that said Vaccoro was demoted.

Former Saints safety Darren Sharper has been indicted by an Orleans grand jury on two counts of aggravated rape. Sharper allegedly drugged and raped women in New Orleans — accusations he also faces in multiple states. He is currently held without bond in Los Angeles. Legal analyst Tim Meche says rape is typically he said she said…:
CUT 6 (13) “about this case”
A New Orleans arrest warrant says witnesses report that Sharper and co-defendant Erik Nunez acknowledged they had non consensual sex with two women.

Today’s check on fast dropping gas prices finds the pump dropped another two cents overnight. The current statewide average for a gallon of regular is $2.42 according to the American Automobile Association.

State Police say two Town of Franklinton employees are under arrest accused of stealing over $22,000 in water and utility payments from residents in Washington Parish. Master Trooper Greg Marchand says town officials noticed some irregularities in how town utility bills were being collected and called them to investigate…:
CUT 3 (09) “a town account”
He says 39-year-old Carmen Freemen and 42-year-old Caprice Dawson were booked on several charges, including felony theft and malfeasance in office.

Former DeSoto Parish school Superintendent Walter Lee will officially be gone from the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education today at 4:30pm. Resigning was part of a plea agreement Lee accepted Thursday after saying he’s guilty of personally benefiting from the return of a leased vehicle while he was serving on BESE and as Superintendent.

Democratic Senator Mary Landrieu says goodbye to the Senate. Jeff Palermo has the story…:
CUT 2 (29) “reporting”

Police in Scott say a woman was killed as she was leaving Cowboys Nightclub and was run over by a vehicle in the parking lot. They say the driver of the vehicle submitted to a breath test and registered a .082 which is above the legal limit. That man was cited for OWI and vehicular homicide.

The Holiday Drive Sober or Get Pulled over campaign begins today and runs through January First. Louisiana participates in this national effort to keep impaired drivers off the road. LHSC Lt. Col John LeBlanc says it’s important to have a plan if you’re drinking at Christmas Parties…:
CUT 15 (08) “of transportation”
He says 59 people were killed in crashes last December and alcohol use was a factor in more than half. LeBlanc says drunk driving is a crime that will not be tolerated.

The St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s office says a woman is under arrest on charges of simple arson for allegedly setting her boyfriend’s clothes on fire inside her house. They say nobody was injured in the blaze they believe 29-year-old Robyn Blanc of Bayou Vista caused but a dog was killed by the fire. The fire caused significant damage to the home.

Outgoing Democratic US Senator Mary Landrieu gave a farewell speech on the Senate floor yesterday. Landrieu says it’s been a joy to serve in the Senate these last 18 years…

cut 10 (11) “all of you”

The Senator spoke about her achievements while serving as a US Senator, including promoting the oil and gas industry and adoption awareness.

You’ll see increased DWI patrols throughout the holiday period as part of the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission’s “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign. Lt. Col. John Leblanc says this holiday season, they’re working with over 60 law enforcement agencies across the state…

cut 14 (10) “drinking and driving”

Leblanc says 59 people were killed statewide in fatal accidents in December last year with alcohol use was a factor in more than half of those fatalities.

A documentary dubbed the first comprehensive overview of the Deepwater Horizon oil rig explosion and aftermath, will open at the Prytania Theater in New Orleans today. Michelle Southern reports…

cut 1 (30) “reporting”

Two high school state football champions will be crowned tonight in Mercedes Benz Superdome. In the Class 1-A championship game, top seeded Mangham takes on number two seed Haynesville at 4:30 PM. Then, in the Two-A title game, number one seed Many will face second seeded Kinder. The Class 3-, 4-, and 5-A championships will be played tomorrow.

As her third and final term is coming to a close, Democratic US Senator Mary Landrieu gave a farewell speech on the Senate floor yesterday. This was the first time she spoke publicly since losing to Republican Bill Cassidy in the Senate run-off and the outgoing senator says she’s at peace with what happened…

cut 12 (11) “I accept”

Landrieu did not say what her future plans hold.

Next year’s Attorney General’s race got more interesting after reports surfaced saying that State Treasurer John Kennedy is considering a run. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says Kennedy, who has been very vocal and transparent in running the state treasury, has become very popular in Louisiana…

cut 6 (13) “one of the candidates to beat”

Kennedy ran for the AG’s office in 1991 and lost so Pinsonat says it’s not surprising he’d want to take another shot.

The Louisiana Highway Safety Commission announces that DWI patrols will be increased throughout the holiday period as part of their “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign. Scott Carwile reports…

cut 3 (31) “reporting”

The Alexandria Zoo announces the birth of Malayan tiger cubs born on November 16. Zoo officials postponed the announcement because two previous tiger litters didn’t survive. The two male cubs are not available for viewing during regular zoo hours, but you can get a peek in a special viewing room during the zoo’s Holiday Light Safari beginning today. The zoo will name the cubs once their personalities begin to develop.

It looks like the race for Attorney General could be one of next year’s more interesting races after reports that Treasurer John Kennedy is eyeing the seat. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says says Kennedy wouldn’t have a problem raising money and he’s become very popular as state treasurer so his entering the AG’s race would narrow the field big time…

cut 5 (11) “one or two others”

Kennedy ran for the AG’s office in 1991 and lost.

Outgoing Democratic US Senator Mary Landrieu gave her farewell speech on the Senate floor yesterday. The Senator spoke about her achievements while serving as a US Senator, including helping Louisiana receive billions of dollars in federal aid to recover from Hurricanes Katrina and Rita…

cut 11 (09) “having it”

Her Senate farewell was the first time she spoke publicly since losing to Republican Bill Cassidy in the Senate run-off.

The Louisiana Highway Safety Commission announces that DWI patrols will be increased throughout the holiday period as part of their “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign. Lt. Col. John Leblanc says December is one of the deadliest months on Louisiana roadways…

cut 13 (11) “highway crashes”

This is a state and national campaign aimed at keeping impaired drivers off roadways and reducing deadly crashes.

“The Great Invisible”, a documentary of the Deepwater Horizon oil rig explosion and aftermath, opens today. Director Margaret Brown says they began filming when the oil came ashore and explored the lives of those in the coastal region who were most immediately affected by the disaster…

cut 8 (12) “since then”

The film opens at the Prytania Theatre in New Orleans.

Democratic US Senator Mary Landrieu gave a farewell speech on the Senate floor yesterday as her third and final term is coming to a close. Landrieu says it’s been a joy to serve in the Senate these last 18 years…

cut 10 (11) “all of you”

Landrieu did not say what her future plans hold.

The Governor’s and Lt Governor’s races are not the only potential hotly contested statewide races next year. It appears the race for Attorney General could also be a barn burner after reports that Treasurer John Kennedy is eyeing the seat. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says Kennedy ran for the AG’s office in 1991 and lost so it’s not surprising he’d want to take another shot…

cut 4 (10) “for Attorney General”

Pinsonat says Kennedy has become very popular in Louisiana as Treasurer.

A documentary dubbed the first comprehensive overview of the Deepwater Horizon oil rig explosion and aftermath, will open at the Prytania theater in New Orleans today. The film, “The Great Invisible” is directed by Margaret Brown. She says her family has a house on the Alabama coast and they were sending her pictures of the area after the disaster in 2010…

cut 7 (14) “make a film”

She says the documentary looks at how all Americans are connected to oil.

Democratic US Senator Mary Landrieu gave a farewell speech on the Senate floor today as her third and final term is coming to a close. The Senator spoke about her achievements while serving as a US Senator, including helping Louisiana receive billions of dollars in federal aid to recover from Hurricanes Katrina and Rita…
cut 11 (09) “…having it”
Landrieu also touted her efforts when it came to promoting the oil and gas industry and adoption awareness.

Alexandria Representative and chairman of the state House Labor Committee, Herbet Dixon, is resigning. Dixon released a statement that said he’s stepping away from the legislature so that he can better manage his health situation, spend more time with his family and pursue other opportunities. House Speaker Chuck Kleckley has called a special election February 21st to fill his seat.

The National Hurricane Center will issue storm surge warnings during next year’s Hurricane Season. Storm surge is often cited as the greatest threat to life and property from a tropical cyclone. Storm Surge Specialist, Jamie Rhome, says this has been many years in the making…:
CUT 3 (10) “with wind”
He says the watches and warnings will highlight life threatening conditions.

State education Superintendent John White is concerned only 44 percent of public high school seniors fill out the paperwork required to receive federal financial aid to attend college or a technical training school. White says Louisiana students are missing out on millions of dollars in federal assistance…:
CUT 12 (10) “receive today”
White says high school seniors should fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid to see if they’re eligible for Pell grants and other types of aid.

Fourth District Representative John Fleming is saying he wants to succeed Senator David Vitter in the Senate if he wins the Governor’s race. In a written statement, Fleming says his focus IS on the 4th district, but he would be interested. Political analyst Elliot Stonecipher says it’s a little early to start speculating on who will fill Vitter’s Senate seat…
CUT 6 (09) “being a fact”

In a story first reported by LaPolitics.com, Republican State Treasurer John Kennedy may consider a run against Republican incumbent Buddy Caldwell in a race for Attorney General.
CUT 9 (13) “excel at”
That’s LaPolitics.com Editor Jeremy Alford.

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State Education Superintendent John White is reporting only 44-percent of public high school seniors are filling out paperwork to receive federal financial aid to attend college or a technical training school. He says this is leaving millions on the table, especially in certain income brackets…
CUT 14 (11) Q: “financial aid”
White says he’ll talk with schools about how to improve the application numbers.

Next year, there will be two warnings issued for storms from the National Hurricane Center for the upcoming hurricane season. Besides the wind warnings, they will also be issuing a separate storm surge warning, since surges do the most damage to life and property…
CUT 5 (08) Q: ” to do something”
That’s Storm Surge Specialist, Jamie Rhome.

In a story first reported by LaPolitics.com, Republican State Treasurer John Kennedy may consider a run against Republican incumbent Buddy Caldwell in a race for Attorney General. Editor Jeremy Alford says Caldwell could be in trouble…
CUT 11 (12) Q: “couple of years”
He says the wild-card in the race is former Republican congressman Jeff Landy, who has already announced he’s running.

If Senator David Vitter wins the governor’s race, 4th District Representative John Fleming says he would be interested in running for that seat in the Senate. Right now, Political analyst Elliot Stonecipher says there are too many things up in the air to make any kind of prediction about an appointment…
CUT 8 (09) Q: “gets made”
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The National Hurricane Center will begin issuing separate storm surge warnings with next year’s Atlantic Hurricane Season. Eric Gill reports…
CUT 1 (30) “reporting”

The Department of Children and Family Services is giving the public a heads up about a phone scam to obtain credit card information. So far, callers in the Lafayette area have been told they can get a free Walmart rebate card at their food stamp office, once they process a payment for $1.95 to receive it. D-C-F-S says they never do offers like this.