The Louisiana Office of Community Development says they are now encouraging flood victims who have already filled out the Restore Louisiana survey, to complete a formal application for aid. Michelle Southern reports…:

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A southern media and opinion research poll shows a majority of Louisianans disagree with the direction the state is going. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 2 (30) “Matt Doyle reporting.”

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The Louisiana Office of Community Development says they are now encouraging flood victims who have already filled out the Restore Louisiana survey, to complete a formal application for aid. OCD Executive Director Pat Forbes says they’ve received about 46,300 survey submissions…:

Cut 3 (10) “an application”

Restore Louisiana’s process is in two parts so that homeowners wouldn’t be forced to stop repairs on their home while they applied for aid. Forbes says they know that about 38,400 homeowners have been extended invitations to apply for aid…:

Cut 4  (08) “and see” 

Find out more online at Restore.La.Gov. The homeowner assistance program so far has offered grant awards totaling $122 million dollars to 4200 applicants. Forbes says they are now serving every phase of the process to get people the help they need…:

Cut 5  (10)  “more applications”

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It’s another big shopping day as stores view after-Christmas sales the final round of the 2017 retail rush. LSU Marketing professor Dan Rice says today is a great day to stock up on Christmas decorations and wrapping paper which are dramatically reduced in price as shops look to unload the inventory. He says it’s also a big day for returns and exchanges…:

Cut 6 (10)  “for those”

Whether you’re looking for items that were in short supply before the holiday, or simply out to treat yourself with special bargains, Rice says post-Christmas deals feature all kinds of savings. He says retailers are looking at the shelves and considering how easy will it be to hold on to that stock or not, and that’s where the sales come in…:

Cut 7 (08)  “future”

Rice says the 2017 holiday shopping season will go down as a huge one for retailers, but it remains to be seen if it’s because people actually have more money in their pockets…:

Cut 8 (04) “better pay”

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Governor John Bel Edwards says he came into office looking to end the yearly cuts to education, and secure funding for the TOPS scholarship program. As Edwards looks back on the year, he’s proud to say Louisiana’s public colleges did not receive a cut in state funding…

Cut 9 (06)  “previous year”

During the governor’s first year in office, state funding to TOPS was reduced and recipients had to pay a portion of their tuition for the first time in the program’s history. Edwards says they were able to fully fund the tuition assistance program this year and it led to a record level of enrollment in applications for state colleges in 2018…

Cut 10 (08) “rate education”

A mother and her seven month old child were killed in an accident near Tickfaw in Tangipahoa Parish Christmas Eve.  State Police say the vehicle 19-year-old Shelly Mulkey was in was hit by 36-year-old Jillian Pamela Ramsey of Loranger.  The impact ruptured the gas tank in Mulkey’s vehicle and caused both vehicles to catch on fire.   Mulkey was pulled from the vehicle and witnesses tried CPR, however the baby remained inside the vehicle as it burned.  Troopers allege Ramsey was impaired and fleeing the scene of an earlier accident when she hit the Mulkey was in.   Ramsey is charged with two counts of vehicular homicide, hit and run and careless operation.

Shreveport Police are looking for a suspect or suspects involved in an early Christmas morning shooting.  Three people were injured with a male adult suffering from potentially life threatening injuries.  All three, including a female adult and a teenager were transported to University hospital.  Police believe the assailant may have pulled up in a vehicle outside of the home and fired multiple shots at the house.

An analysis commissioned by the Pew Charitable Trusts shows that investing in national parks in Louisiana could create over 110 new jobs.  Director of the Restore America Parks Campaign, Marsha Argust says even though The National Park System passed an important milestone celebrating their 100^th anniversary last year but there hasn’t been a complete rehabilitation of the sites in over 60 years…

Cut 8 (12) “those assets.”

Louisiana Soldiers serving overseas like these, are sending love to The Bayou State this Christmas…:

Cut 13 (23)  “Merry Christmas”

It’s a chilly Christmas in Louisiana. Don Molino chats with State Climatologist Barry Keim…:

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An analysis commissioned by the Pew Charitable Trusts shows that investing in national parks in Louisiana could create over 110 new jobs.  Director of the Restore America Parks Campaign, Marsha Argust says the analysis shows there would be several job skills that would be needed to make the eight parks in Louisiana safer and positively impact visitor access…

Cut 7 (09)  “labor skills.”

As many are celebrating Christmas with family and friends, there are some Louisianians overseas who can’t be home. These service members are sending a big “Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays,” back home to their kin in The Bayou State…:

Cut 12 (22) “I love you, bye.”

Monroe based CenturyLink says they aren’t giving a Christmas bonus this year.  In an email to employees, CEO Glen Post cited low cash flow as the reason he decided against sending the bonus.  He says he’s looking forward to a successful 2018.

While it’s cold today it may become milder late next week.  State Climatologist Barry Keim says another chill down is expected for the last weekend of 2017. It’s going to be cold for the next several days…:

Cut 5  (08)  “across Louisiana”

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries’ December Aerial Waterfowl Survey shows a major migration of birds, over three million compared to just over one a half million last month.  Waterfowl Program Manager Larry Reynolds says waterfowl enjoy the mild Louisiana weather.  He says if the weather levels out, ducks will remain for quite a while…

Cut 11 (13) “of March.”

Duck hunting season will go on through mid January in the coastal areas of Louisiana…

Shreveport Police are looking for a suspect or suspects involved in an early Christmas morning shooting.  Three people were injured with a male adult suffering from potentially life threatening injuries.  All three, including a female adult and a teenager were transported to University hospital.  Police believe the assailant may have pulled up in a vehicle outside of the home and fired multiple shots at the house.

An analysis finds upgrading National Parks in Louisiana could create 110 jobs.  Matt Doyle talked with the Pew Charitable Trusts about what it would mean for the parks and the economy…

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Matt Doyle.”

It’s a brisk Christmas Day in Sportsman Paradise. State Climatologist Barry Keim says morning lows were at or near freezing, and afternoon highs will struggle to stay out of the 40s. He says it’s also very breezy out today with this cold air that’s filtering in from Canada…:
Cut 4 (05) “wind chill”
He says dry weather will last through Saturday before it looks like rain returns as we ring in 2018.

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries’ December Aerial Waterfowl Survey shows a major migration of birds, over three million compared to just over one a half million last month. Waterfowl Program Manager Larry Reynolds blames the weather…:
Cut 10 (09) “birds out”
Duck hunting season will go on through mid January in the coastal areas of Louisiana.

An analysis finds upgrading National Parks in Louisiana could create 110 jobs. Matt Doyle talked with the Pew Charitable Trusts about what it would mean for the parks and the economy..:
Cut 2 (31) “I’m Matt Doyle”

These military members send holiday greetings home to Louisiana…:
Cut 14 (23) “while I’m here”

It’s a chilly Christmas Day in Louisiana, as State Climatologist Barry Keim says there is a light freeze across northern parishes, and temps in the 30s across most of the state. He says the high this December 25th will only get to the low 40s to mid 50s…:
Cut 3 (03) “for Christmas”
Keim says while it may become milder late next week, another chill down is expected for the last weekend of 2017. But in the meantime it’s going to be cold like this for the next several days.

An analysis commissioned by the Pew Charitable Trusts shows that investing in national parks in Louisiana could create over 110 new jobs. Eight sites in the Bayou State that would benefit, according to Director of the Restore America Parks Campaign, Marsha Argust…:
Cut 6 (11) “historic buildings”
Argust says it’s sad that many of the parks are showing their age, since there hasn’t been a complete rehabilitation of the sites in over 60 years.

These service members who can’t be with family and friends this Christmas, are sending messages home…:
Cut 13 (23) “Merry Christmas”

Saints fans got a nice Christmas present this year as New Orleans heads to the playoffs following a 23-13 victory over the Falcons on Sunday. Coach Sean Payton thanked the screaming crowd in the Mercedes Benz Superdome…:
CUT 26 (04) “fantastic”
The Panthers won yesterday too so now New Orleans and Carolina are both 11-4, meaning the Saints need a win New Year’s Eve or a Carolina loss at Atlanta to win the NFC South.

It’s a chilly Christmas Day in Louisiana. Don Molino chats with State Climatologist Barry Keim…:
Cut 1 (28) “Don Molino”

The New Orleans Saints beat the Atlanta Falcons 23-13 in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on Sunday. Quarterback Drew Brees was 21-of-28 for 239 yards and a touchdown. He also threw an interception in the game. Mark Ingram led the Saints on the ground with 44 yards and a touchdown on 13 carries. New Orleans now needs to win in Tampa next week or the Panthers must lose in Atlanta in order for the black and gold to clinch the division.

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries’ December Aerial Waterfowl Survey shows a major migration of birds, over three million compared to just over one a half million last month. Waterfowl Program Manager Larry Reynolds says the increase may not be so good for hunters…:
Cut 9 (07) “and December”
Duck hunting season will go on through mid January in the coastal areas of Louisiana.

As we’re all celebrating this morning and unwrapping presents with family and friends, there are many Louisianians overseas who can’t be home this Christmas. These service members are sending a big “Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays,” back home to their kin in The Bayou State…:
Cut 12 (22) “I love you, bye.”

Governor John Bel Edwards released a statement about the latest unemployment number ahead of the holiday weekend; noting that the last time it was just 4.7 percent was in May of 2008. He says this is great news heading into 2018 where he’s optimistic about seeing compromise on the state’s budget woes…:
Cut 10 (10) “of prosperity”
He wishes Louisianians a very Merry Christmas.

It will feel a lot like Christmas as a cold front will bring more seasonable temperatures to Louisiana. After experiencing highs near 80 in parts of the state last week, State Climatologist Barry Keim says a strong cold front will usher in colder air starting today…:
Cut 6 (10) “and 60s”
He says we could see frost on the ground Christmas morning.

With holiday parties and shindigs in full swing, food borne illnesses become more frequent. There are several ways people could become sick. Louisiana Ag Commissioner Mike Strain says sometime people forget to use separate cutting boards, but he says it’s vital to make sure you stay well…:
Cut 12 (09) “cheese etc.”
Strain says you should always allow enough time to defrost any meat and poultry.

It’s official. One of the top high school prospects in the nation has committed to LSU. Parkway High School standout wide receiver Terrace Marshall Jr. shed a few tears as he donned the purple and gold cap. With Marshall, LSU should have a top ten recruiting class this spring. Alabama, Florida State, Texas and Texas A&M were the other schools Marshall considered. The Tigers ended the three day signing period with a total of 21 commitments, leaving four spots open.