Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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House members have approved a conceal carry bill allowing permit holders to bring concealed weapons into other states.  Kelley Ray says it helps good people protect themselves…

Cut 2 (25) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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The National Retail Federation expects consumers will spend about 967 dollars a person on holiday shopping this Christmas. Don Molino has more…

Cut 3  (28) “I’m Don Molino”  

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With Christmas right around the corner, the Louisiana SPCA encourages people to give the gift of a home to a pet in need through adoption. Spokesperson Alicia Haefele says they’re offering a 50-dollar adoption special until December 23^rd. She says last year 222 animals found forever homes during the holiday season.

Cut 4  (10) “great match”

Haefele says for an additional donation of 75-dollars, you can surprise a loved one with an adopted animal by getting it hand delivered on Christmas Eve, Hanukah or Kwanzaa.

Cut 5  (10)  “deliver it”

Haefele says this service is available around the state. She says it’s important to make sure everyone adopting a pet understands it’s a life time commitment, not just a holiday gift.

Cut 6 (10) “brush it” 

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The U.S. House of Representatives have passed 231-to-198 the Concealed Carry Reciprocity  (Ress-per-ross-a-tee) Act to allow a person with a concealed carry permit issued in one state to carry a firearm in another state.  U.S. Congressman Mike Johnson says the Senate and hopefully the House are just reaffirming the rights of Americans with this bill…

Cut 7 (12)  “state lines.”

Johnson says by passing this bill, there will be less confusion as to which states allow concealed carry and those that don’t…

Cut 8 (11) “carry permit.”

Johnson says this will not keep people from getting weapons, but it will improve the likelihood that law abiding citizens will be able to be in possession of one to bring weapons to different states…

Cut 9 (10)  “good thing.”

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Louisiana Tech in Ruston has been granted 1.3 million dollars to enhance its cybersecurity programs. The money was awarded by the National Science Foundation. U.S. Congressman Ralph Abraham of Alto says LA Tech is a leader in training the next generation of professions that will be tasked with protecting our nation. He says this grant will help the university maintain cyber security among the 1-20 corridor.

Cut 10 (12)  “their goal”

Abraham says this field is something that’s very deficient in a number of college graduates. He says cyber security is an incredibly important mission.

Cut 11 (11) “the nation”

Louisiana Tech is the first university in the country to establish a Bachelor of Science in Cyber Engineering degree program. Abraham says Louisiana Tech is looking toward the future…

Cut 12 (08) “cyber security”

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The National Retail Federation predicts holiday shoppers will spend about 967 dollars a person on gifts this year, up 3.4-percent from in 2016. Mark Rosa, Professor with the UNO School of Business, says everybody gets excited during the season and wants to be generous but we have to resist the urge to overspend. He says it’s easy to put purchases on credit cards.

Cut 13 (09) “coming again”

Rosa says it’s important to create a budget before setting out to shop and make sure you stick to it. He says it’s very easy to wind up in debt after holiday shopping.

Cut 14 (10) “getting ahead”

Rosa says even though this is more holiday spending than years past, that doesn’t always make for a happy Christmas.

Cut 15 (07) “by finances”

North Louisiana is under a freeze warning and the Florida parishes could see snow by the morning…

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

State offices in South Louisiana will be closed tomorrow. Several schools have also decided to call off classes including St. James, West Feliciana, St. Mary and Lafayette Parishes.  Southeast Louisiana is under a Winter Weather Advisory starting tonight.

A Task Force has been established by Governor Edwards to review sexual harassment and discrimination policies in state agencies.  The seven member panel will be selected by Friday and they hope to hold their first meeting later this month.  The Governor’s Communications Director Shauna Sanford says they want to get guidelines in place due to the recent reports of sexual harassment…

Cut 3 (12) “important issue.”

The reward for information on the death of a St. Tammany Parish Fire Chief’s wife has been increased to ten-thousand-dollars. Nanette Krentel, the wife of Fire District No. 12 Chief Stephen Krentel, was thought to have died when the couple’s house burned down, but her death was later ruled a homicide. Nanette’s father, Dan Watson, is frustrated with the process.:

Cut 10 (11) “right away”

The last time the Saints won the Super Bowl was in 2009 when they defeated the Indianapolis Colts 31-to-17 in Super Bowl 44.  The interesting correlation is the wintery weather expected in Southeast Louisiana.  Just prior to winning the Super Bowl, guess what, there was reported snowfall in New Orleans.  Meteorologist Alek Krautman says fans are hoping this is a good omen for the Saints…

(CUT 29) (11) “2009.”

He does say though, it was just a quote “fun correlation.”

The New Orleans Pelicians beat the Denver Nuggets last night 123-114.    DeMarcus Cousins lit up the scoreboard with 40 points on the night and grabbing 22 rebounds.  The Pelicans are now one game above .500 at 13 and 12 and will take on the Sacramento Kings at home.  The Kings remain in the cellar of the Pacific Division…

Now, here’s a look at the state football championships from Jeff Palermo…

(CUT 30) (45) “Jeff Palermo.”

NFL tonight, the Saints take on the Atlanta Falcons.  Kickoff is set for 7:25pm.

Schools in Ascension, Livingston and West Baton Rouge have canceled classes tomorrow, adding to the list of closures due the chance of snow tomorrow morning. Southern University and BRCC have also closed their campuses. The state Department of Transportation is urging caution when driving on icy roads. Visit 511la.org for up to date road closures and conditions.

A Task Force has been established by Governor Edwards to review sexual harassment and discrimination policies in state agencies. Michelle Southern has more…
Cut 1 (28) “I’m Michelle Southern.”

 
As south Louisiana is likely to see some snow, most of north Louisiana is under a freeze warning tonight. Meteorologist for the National Weather Service in Shreveport Dayvon Hill says they aren’t anticipating any icy roads up north. He says it’s important for people to remember the four Ps, plants, pipes, people and pets when freezing temperatures arrive.
Cut 9 (07) “like that”

State Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain reminds pet owners and farmers to make sure animals and livestock are prepared for the winter weather. He says ensure cattle have plenty of hay, feed and water, and check water troughs as they can cover with ice.
Cut 15 (12) “heat lamps”

He says if possible, keep companion animals inside, or at the very least make sure a dry shelter is available and have a warm blanket for your pet.

Ascension, West Baton Rouge and Livingston are more parishes that have annouced school closures for tomorrow due to the chance of one to two inches of snow. Alek Krautmann with the National Weather Service in Slidell says there is a winter weather advisory for the Florida Parishes. He says we’ll have cold temperatures over the weekend but it will be dry and clear.
Cut 7 (06) “northern areas”
Most of north Louisiana is under a freeze warning tonight.

It’s important to be extra cautious on the roads as we start to see wintery weather for the first time this season. Rodney Mallet with the Department of Transportation says they’re keeping an eye out on the weather and hope to keep main roads open unless a closure is absolutely necessary. He enourages drivers to check 511la.org
Cut 14 (12) “our scouts”

There is now a 10-thousand dollar reward for information into the death of a St. Tammany Parish Fire Chief’s wife. District 12 Chief Stephen Krentel’s wife, Nanette’s, death was ruled a homicide after she was found in her burned down home with a gunshot wound to the head. Her father, Dan Watson, says Nanette was scared of her husband’s brother because he’d threatened her in the past. He says she kept handguns and stayed home a lot.
Cut 12 (09) “of stress”

Governor John Bel Edwards has established a task force to review sexual harassment and discrimination policies in state agencies. Edwards’ Communications Director Shauna Sanford says they want to make sure all employees know the procedures in reporting if they suspect they are a victim.
Cut 5 (10) “completed”

The task force will report back to the governor by March 1st.

North Louisiana is under a freeze warning and the Florida parishes could see snow by the morning. Emelie Gunn has more on these wintery conditions..:
Cut 2 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

More schools have announced closures for tomorrow, they include East Baton Rouge, St. James, St. Mary, West Feliciana and Lafayette Parishes.

Ag Commissioner Mike Strain is urging winter weather preps for livestock and pets. He says make sure cattle has plenty of hay, feed and water, and make sure to check water troughs as they can cover with ice.

The reward for information on the death of a St. Tammany Parish Fire Chief’s wife has been increased to ten-thousand-dollars. Nanette Krentel, the wife of Fire District No. 12 Chief Stephen Krentel, was thought to have died when the couple’s house burned down, but her death was later ruled a homicide. Nanette’s father, Dan Watson, says the investigation itself has been messed up from the beginning…:
Cut 11 (11) “has been tainted”
Anyone with information on Nanette’s death can call Crimestoppers and submit an anonymous tip.

Republican Congressman Mike Johnson of Shreveport and the US House have passed legislation that would allow people to carry their concealed weapons across state lines if they have a permit to do so in their home state. The proposal now heads to the Senate. Democrats do not support the measure. The GOP backed House bill passed on a mostly party-line 231-198 vote.

One of the main concerns when we start to see wintry weather like this for the first time of the season is the roadways. Department of Transportation spokesman Rodney Mallett says even today as the bottom half of the state is dealing with constant rain, they keep seeing a trend of rear end crashes and side-swiping because people aren’t paying attention…:
CUT 13 (09) “car in front of you”
Southeast Louisiana is under a Winter Weather Advisory beginning at 9pm. School clorues for tomorrow include St. James, West Feliciana, St. Mary and Lafayette Parishes.

Most of north Louisiana is under a freeze warning tonight. Meteorologist for the National Weather Service in Shreveport Davyon Hill says temperatures could be as low as the mid 20s in some areas. He says they aren’t expecting much freezing rain in Northwest Louisiana…:
Cut 8 (09) “of us”

The Saints will be in the Mercedes Benz Stadium tonight in Atlanta to take on The Falcons. New Orleans is nine and three while the Dirty Birds come into the contest with a seven and five mark. Quarterback Drew Brees says their passing game has to be top notch tonight because cornerback Desmond Trufant is back..:
Cut 25 (10) “good corners”
Kickoff is at 7:25.

So since there is a possibility of snowfall in the New Orleans area, people have been talking and pointing out on social media that the last time measurable snow fell in The Big Easy, the Saints went on to win the Super Bowl. National Weather Service confirmed it: December 4th, 2009: that was the last time the city of New Orleans had a small amount of snow.

There’s a lot of talk of wintry mix tomorrow morning and Alek Krautmann with the National Weather Service in Slidell says the Florida Parishes are in for some rain tonight transitioning into sleet and possibly snow by morning. He says we’ll see temperatures in the low 40s throughout today..:
Cut 6 (10) “continues”
Most of north Louisiana is under a freeze warning tonight. Schools in Lafayette and West Feliciana have already announced closures for tomorrow.

A Task Force has been established by Governor Edwards to review sexual harassment and discrimination policies in state agencies. Communications Director Shauna Sanford says one of the items the task force will consider is if the current training program for new employees is effective…:
Cut 4 (08) “more robust”
The task force will look at each agency to check for uniformity in the sexual harassment policy.

The reward for information on the death of a St. Tammany Parish Fire Chief’s wife has been increased to ten-thousand-dollars. Nanette Krentel, the wife of Fire District No. 12 Chief Stephen Krentel, was thought to have died when the couple’s house burned down, but her death was later ruled a homicide. Nanette’s father, Dan Watson, is frustrated with the process.:
cut 10 (11) “right away”
Anyone with information on Nanette’s death can call Crimestoppers and submit an anonymous tip.

The 2017 Allstate Sugar Bowl-L-H-S-A-A Prep Classic is underway and runs until Saturday in New Orleans at the Mercedes Benz Superdome. All of the games are being shown live on Cox Sports Television.

Schools in Lafayette and West Feliciana will be closed tomorrow due to the chance of snow. State Climatologist Barry Keim says even though the air temperature will stay above freezing, we might see freezing rain. But he says it won’t be a statewide weather event.
Cut 11 (09) “first place.”

Governor Edwards has established a task force to review sexual harassment and discrimination policies in state agencies. The seven member panel will be selected today and will hold their first meeting sometime this month. The Governor’s Communications Director Shauna Sanford says they want new guidelines in place due to the recent reports of sexual harassment.
Cut 3 (12) “important issue”

 
The Saints take on the Falcons tonight in Atlanta for the big NFC showdown. The black and gold are sine and three while the Falcons come to the contest with a seven and five mark. New Orleans Quarterback Drew Brees knows they are going to have their work cut out for them with the Dirty Birds’s defense.
Cut 15 (11) “ball security”
Kickoff is at 7:25pm.

The 2017 Allstate Sugar Bowl-L-H-S-A-A Prep Classic starts today and runs until Saturday in New Orleans at the Mercedes Benz Superdome. Association Executive Director Eddie Bonine says nine champions will be crowned and the last game of the night is Notre Dame versus Catholic High of New Iberia. The Pioneers from Crowley have won five state titles and Coach Lewis (Louie) Cook is coaching in his 11th state championship game in his Hall of Fame career
Cut 9 (06) “the championship”