The state is launching a Louisiana Cultural Shopping Trail to provide visitors an opportunity to discover unique retail stores as they travel through the Bayou State.  Kelley Ray has more…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Kelley Ray”

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Tickets are on sale now for WrestleMania 34, which takes place April 18th at the Mercedes Benz Superdome in New Orleans. Jeff Palermo reports..:

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Polls show Democratic councilwoman LaToya Cantrell beating fellow Democrat and former judge Desiree Charbonnet by a landslide in Saturday’s New Orleans mayoral election. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 3  (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”  

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The state is launching a Louisiana Cultural Shopping Trail to provide visitors an opportunity to discover unique retail stores as they travel through the Bayou State. Chairman of the Louisiana Tax Free Shopping Commission Steve Windham says L-A-shopping-trail-dot-com will highlight great antique or boutique shops, along with stores that feature hand-crafted goods…

Cut 4  (09) “main street.”

Windham says the Louisiana Cultural Shopping Trail gives specialized businesses off the beaten path a chance to showcase the state’s vibrant culture to visitors who are traveling our highways…

Cut 5  (09)  “cultural destination.”

Windham says Louisiana residents are encouraged to visit the over 100 stores that make up the Louisiana Cultural Shopping Trail, which winds throughout the state, but the main goal is to encourage out of state travelers to shop at these unique retailers…

Cut 6 (08) “to another.”

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Secretary of State Tom Schedler is expecting a voter turnout of 13 percent statewide for Saturday’s election which features the race for state treasurer and the New Orleans mayoral runoff between LaToya Cantrell and Denise Charbonnet.  Schedler says if it wasn’t for this race, it would be a slow day at the polls…

Cut 7 (10)  “single digits.”

Voter turnout for the October statewide election was 14-percent. Schedler says he initially thought that turnout for the November election would be even lower but early voting turnout was better than expected…

Cut 8 (06) “proud of.”

Schedler says the Treasurer Race between Democrat Derrick Edwards and Republican John Schroder is the only item on the ballot in half of the state’s parishes…

Cut 9 (07)  “the state.”

About 400-thousand are expected to vote in Saturday’s election.

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Tickets are on sale now for WrestleMania 34, which takes place April 18th at the Mercedes Benz Superdome in New Orleans. The last time WWE’s flagship show came to The Big Easy was in 2014, bringing in over 75,000 fans and generating $142 million dollars in economic impact. WWE superstar Big Show did a media tour in south Louisiana this week to promote WrestleMania 34…:

Cut 10 (09)  “World Series”

Fans from all 50 states and 36 countries attended WrestleMania 30 in New Orleans. Big Show says you can expect more of the same next year…:

Cut 11 (07) “and then leave”

This is the quickest that Wrestlemania has ever returned to a previous host city ever. Big Show encourages locals to go, even if they aren’t wrestling fans, because there’s really nothing like it…:

Cut 12 (10) “in history”

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The election for the New Orleans mayoral race is tomorrow and polls show Democratic councilwoman LaToya Cantrell beating fellow Democrat and former judge Desiree Charbonnet by a landslide. Political Analyst Clancy Dubos says Charbonnet has raised nearly twice as much money as her opponent but  Cantrell has spent her money more wisely.

Cut 13 (11) “voters were”

Dubos says Cantrell’s campaign was very much rooted in social media. He says Charbonnet began the race as the frontrunner but recent attacks weakened her considerably.

Cut 14 (10) “her out”

This will be the first time a female has been mayor of New Orleans. Dubos says this big race with two Democratic candidates is likely to help out Democrat Derrick Edwards’ campaign for State Treasurer against Republican John Schroder.

Cut 15 (10) “would’ve been”

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The forecast calls for rain and temperatures falling into the 50s on Saturday in Knoxville for the LSU-Tennessee game. But the Tigers should have success running the football as the Volunteers rank last in the SEC in rushing defense. LSU Quarterback Danny Etling hopes success on the ground will lead to good results through the air…

Cut 16  (14)  “get involved”

Tennessee is a disappointing 4-6, 0-6 in the SEC, which is why Butch Jones was fired and Brady Hoke named as the interim head coach this week. Etling says they expect to face a fired up Tennessee team…

Cut 17 (17)  “be ready”

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Layoffs have been announced by CenturyLink after their acquisition of Level 3 Communications.  35 workers in Monroe and 165 companywide are being let go.  Spokesperson Annmarie Sartor says the layoffs come in the IT department.  She says 27-hundred still work in Louisiana for CenturyLink.

Nicholls State has named Jay Clune as the university’s 6^th president.  Clune is currently the interim graduate dean for the University of West Florida. The Houma native is a Nicholls graduate and he will take over after the first of 2018. Clune says he wants students coming to Nicholls to learn in a modern environment…

Cut 6 (07)  “some programs.”

Louisiana Republican delegation in the US House were among the yes votes for a tax reform plan that was approved today. House Majority Whip Steve Scalise says the bill will stimulate the economy…

Cut 5  (11)  “so long”

Democrat Cedric Richmond voted against it, because he says it will hurt undeserved communities.  The measure still needs Senate approval.

Natchitoches unveils its newly renovated rue Beauport Riverfront tonight, which cost four million dollars. Mayor Lee Posey says the riverbank was torn up until about a month ago with the renovations. He says once sod was laid down, everything started to come together.

Cut 12 (11) “it better”

The U.S. House approved a tax reform bill, which Republicans say will lower tax rates at all income levels and lower the corporate tax rate. House Majority Whip Steve Scalise says this legislation will also make it easier for everyday Americans to do their own taxes.
Cut 3 (11) “so complicated”
The lone no vote from Louisiana’s U-S House delegation came from Democrat Cedric Richmond.

A Florida educator with ties to south Louisiana has been named to be the next president of Nicholls State University. Jay Clune, a Houma native, is a Nicholls alum and says he wants students coming to the Thibodaux school to learn in a modern environment…:
Cut 6 (07) “some programs”
Clune becomes the sixth Nicholls State president.

Baton Rouge Police have made an arrest in the 2014 killing of West St. John High School coach Juan Joseph. Sgt. Don Coppola says they originally booked another man for the murder, but those charges were later dropped after the DA’s office said the shooter was misidentified. Coppola says now Jamarcus Goodman is charged with second degree murder…:
CUT 9 (05) “through DNA”
Copolla says Goodman was living in Texas and had faced other charges there, but is now in the East Baton Rouge Parish jail.

Natchitoches unveiled its newly renovated riverfront today, which cost four million dollars. Mayor Lee Posey says they’ve added a new festival stage, amphitheater seating and a new Santa Claus house…:
Cut 11 (10) “weekend”
He says restrooms and handicap ramps have also been added along the Cane River. Saturday the Festival of Lights begins its run over the next seven weekends.

Louisiana Republican delegation in the US House were among the yes votes for a tax reform plan that was approved today. House Majority Whip Steve Scalise says the bill will stimulate the economy…

Cut 5  (11)  “so long”

Democrat Cedric Richmond voted against it, because he says it will hurt undeserved communities.  The measure still needs Senate approval.

Officials have released the names of two people who were killed in a mobile home fire in Livingston Parish.  They are identified as 57-year-old Jesse Lowrance and his granddaughter six-year-old Kenley Lowrance. The residence did not have working smoke alarms. Fire Chief Joe Koczrowski (Cuz-Rou-Ski) says they are still trying to determine the cause…:

Cut 15 (07) “purely accidental”

Two others in the home at the time remain in critical condition…

Natchitoches dedicates its newly renovated Beauport Riverfront tonight on the heels of the 91^st Christmas Festival of Lights. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 2 (29) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

Serena Williams and Redditt co-founder Alexis Ohanian will tie the knot tonight in New Orleans at the Contemporary Arts Center.  Many superstars are expected to attend the wedding including Kim Kardashian West, Beyonce and Ciara.  Eva Longoria was reportedly at the rehearsal dinner last night…

The U.S. House approved the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.  Now the Senate must vote on its own version of a tax reform plan.  House Majority Whip Steve Scalise says the House bill gives every income level a tax break. They have doubled the standard deduction, which will be a big win for struggling families, as well…

Cut 4  (11) “in taxes” 

Baton Rouge Police have arrested a man in the 2014 killing of West St. John High School coach Juan Joseph. Sgt. Don Coppola says Jamarcus Goodman is charged with second degree murder. Police believe Goodman allegedly was a passenger in a vehicle that had intentionally fired a weapon which struck and killed Joseph.  Coppola says investigators had been on the case exactly three years before they caught up with Goodman.

Cut 10 (09) “to this crime”

Nicholls State has named Jay Clune as the university’s 6^th president.  Clune is currently the interim graduate dean for the University of West Florida.  The Homua native says he is aware Nicholls budget has been trimmed some 39-million-dollars.  Clune says he knows of other ways to get some money back…

Cut 7 (09) “instructional costs.”

Natchitoches kicks off the holiday season as they unveil their newly renovated riverfront tonight. It cost four million dollars. Mayor Lee Posey says tonight’s dedication is free to the public.

Cut 13 (11)  “huge day”

The Festival of Lights takes place throughout seven weekends and will kick off Saturday.

Louisiana’s delegation votes along party lines for the House tax reform bill that was approved today. Jeff Palermo has more…
Voicer 1 (32) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

The Louisiana National Guard says over 300 of their soldiders and airmen have returned from a deployment to Puerto Rico to help the island nation recover from Hurricanes Irma and Maria. The Guard says the soliders cleared roads and helped electric companies restore power.

Houma native Jay Clune has been named as the next president of Nicholls State. Clune graduated from Nicholls and will begin serving as the leader of the Thibodaux school after the new year. Clune says he’s ready to take ideas on how to make Nicholls an even better university…
cut 8 (11) “…and staff”

And later today in Natchitoches a dedication ceremony will take place for the city’s newly renovated riverfront that cost four million dollars. Mayor Lee Posey says the riverbank was torn up until about a mongh ago with the renovations. He says once sod was put down, everything started to come together…
cut 12 (11) “…it better”
This Saturday begins the 91st Christmas Festival of Lights.

Louisiana’s delegation votes along party lines for the House tax reform bill that was approved today. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 1 (32) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Natchitoches dedicates its newly renovated Beauport Riverfront tonight on the heels of the 91^st Christmas Festival of Lights. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 2 (29) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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The U.S. House approved the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which Republicans say will lower tax rates at all income levels and lower the corporate tax rate. House Majority Whip Steve Scalise says this legislation will also make it easier for everyday Americans to do their own taxes.

Cut 3 (11) “so complicated”

The Senate still must vote on its own version of a tax reform plan and if that passes then the differences will be settled in a conference committee. Scalise says the House bill gives every income level a tax break. He says they have also doubled the standard deduction, which will be a big win for struggling families, as well as….

Cut 4  (11) “in taxes” 

Middle class families in Louisiana are predicted to see a raise in after-tax income of $1,857, according to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. New Orleans Democrat Cedric Richmond voted against it, because he says it will hurt undeserved communities. But Scalise says this bill will get our economy moving again and create jobs.

Cut 5  (11)  “so long”

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Nicholls State has named Jay Clune as the university’s 6^th president.  Clune is currently the interim graduate dean for the University of West Florida. The Houma native is a Nicholls graduate and he will take over after the first of 2018. Clune says he wants students coming to Nicholls to learn in a modern environment…

Cut 6 (07)  “some programs.”

For the past nine years, legislators have cut higher education budgets, trimed some 150-million-dollars over that period of time – 39-million-dollars for just Nicholls.  Clune says he knows of other ways to raise money…

Cut 7 (09) “instructional costs.”

Clune says he knows there are issues at the school, but wants to tackle them head on…

Cut 8 (12) “and staff.”

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Baton Rouge Police have arrested a man in the 2014 killing of West St. John High School coach Juan Joseph. Sgt. Don Coppola says they had originally booked another man for the murder, but those charges were later dropped after the DA’s office said the shooter was misidentified. Coppola says now Jamarcus Goodman is charged with second degree murder…:

Cut 9 (05)  “through DNA”

The murder happened on November 16th, 2014.  Coppola says they believe Goodman was a passenger in a vehicle that had intentionally fired a weapon which struck and killed Joseph. He says investigators had been on the case exactly three years before they caught up with Goodman.

Cut 10 (09) “to this crime”

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Natchitoches unveils its newly renovated rue Beauport Riverfront tonight, which cost four million dollars. Mayor Lee Posey says they’ve added a new festival stage, amphitheater seating and a new Santa Claus house. He says restrooms and handicap ramps have also been added along the Cane River.

Cut 11 (10) “weekend”

The dedication comes as the 91^st Christmas Festival of Lights is set to begin this Saturday in downtown Natchitoches with the official lighting ceremony starting at 6:30 p.m. Posey says the riverbank was torn up until about a month ago with the renovations. He says once sod was laid down, everything started to come together.

Cut 12 (11) “it better”

Posey says the Festival of Lights takes place throughout seven weekends. He says tonight’s dedication is free to the public.

Cut 13 (11)  “huge day”

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Officials say a fire claimed the lives of a girl and her grandfather in Livingston Parish late last night. Fire Chief Joe Koczrowski (Cuz-Rou-Ski) says two others were found alive outside of the mobile home when firefighters arrived, but the other two were already dead.

Cut 14 (06) “who’s deceased” (2x)

The residence did not have working smoke alarms. Koczrowski says a 53-year-old grandmother and her 13-year-old granddaughter suffered severe, but not life threatening injuries. He says they are still trying to determine the cause…:

Cut 15 (07) “purely accidental”

The U.S. House approved the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which Republicans say will lower tax rates at all income levels and lower the corporate tax rate. House Majority Whip Steve Scalise says this legislation will also make it easier for people to do their own taxes..:
Cut 3 (11) “so complicated”
The Senate still must vote on its own version of a tax reform plan and if that passes then it must be settled in a conference committee.

Officials say a fire claimed the lives of a girl and her grandfather in Livingston Parish late last night night. Fire Chief Joe Koczrowski (Cuz-Rou-Ski) two others were found alive outside of the mobile home when firefighters arrived, but the other two were already dead.
CUT 14 (06) “who’s deceased” (2x)
He says a 53-year-old grandmother and her 13-year-old granddaughter suffered severe, but not life threatening injuries.

Natchitoches dedicates its newly renovated Beauport Riverfront tonight on the heels of the 91st Christmas Festival of Lights. Emelie Gunn has more:
Cut 2 (29) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

A grand jury today issued a first degree murder indictment of Darren Bridges who is charged with murdering New Orleans Police Officer Marcus McNeil on October 13. It’s being reported that District Attorney Leon Cannizzaro says his office is pursuing the death penalty for Bridges.

Officials say a fire claimed the lives of a girl and her grandfather in Livingston Parish late last night night. They said two others were found alive outside of the residence when firefighters arrived, but the other two were already dead. The survivors are reportedly in critical condition. The cause of the blaze remains under investigation.

Baton Rouge Police have arrested a man in the 2014 killing of West St. John High School coach Juan Joseph. Sgt. Don Coppola says they believe Jamarcus Goodman was a passenger in a vehicle that had intentionally fired a weapon which striking and killing Joseph. He says investigators had been on the case exactly three years before they caught up with Goodman…:
Cut 10 (09) “to this crime”
Another man was originally booked with the crime, but charges later dropped. Goodman is charged with second degree murder.

Natchitoches unveils its newly renovated rue Beauport Riverfront tonight. The riverfront has undergone a four million dollar restoration. Mayor Lee Posey says they’ve added a new festival stage, amphitheater seating and a new Santa Claus house…:
Cut 11 (10) “weekend”
He says restrooms and handicap ramps have also been added along the Cane River.

The steady increase in gas prices is continuing. AAA says there is still strong fall demand for gasoline and it’s chipping away at inventory. The current statewide average for a gallon of regular is now $2.34, up almost 10 cents over the past month.