Many are asking if you really can die of a broken heart, following the death of movie star Debbie Reynolds, just one day after her daughter Carrie Fisher. Cardiologist Dr. Frank Smart with LSU Health New Orleans says Broken Heart Syndrome is real, and quite common. He says the emotion that goes with losing someone causes the body to produce a lot of adrenaline…:
CUT 8 (12) “blocked arteries”
He says medicine doesn’t entirely understand how grief and hope affect people’s lives, by doctors can prescribe preventative treatments.

Franklinton police announce the arrest of a 17-year-old who they say vandalized 2 dozen vehicles belong to Louisiana National Guard members and stealing valuables inside. They say Evantrell Tennessee faces a number of charges including 24 counts of felony criminal damage to property.

Assistant District Attorney Tony Clayton believes the sad case about a mother dumping her baby in a trash can at a New Roads Walmart exposes an actual problem with Louisiana law. 34-year-old Kyandrea Thomas is charged with attempted second degree murder. Clayton says it’s concerning that this unstable woman may not get fair treatment under the circumstances…:
cut 11 (10) “with that”
He says only legislators could change this law but for now the mother’s charges are left up to a grand jury.

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries says the recent picture that purported a second cougar had been spotted in the state is not real. They said the picture circling claiming the animal had been in Tangipahoa Parish ended up being a photoshopped hoax.

2016 was a tragic one for law enforcement around the country, as 135 police officers were killed in the line of duty. That’s according to President of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, Craig Floyd, who says Louisiana was third in the nation for most cops killed this year. He blames a growing disrespect for the rule of law as cops are, visible, vulnerable symbols of authority…:
cut 4 (08) “the enemy”
He says more education is needed to let the community know about the important role of law enforcement in our society.

State Police have made an arrest in a deadly pedestrian hit and run incident that happened on December 20th in Livingston Parish. The crash claimed the life of 36-year-old Corey Peeples of Denham Springs, and a search for the driver went on for more than a week. Troopers said an investigation lead them to 49-year-old Debra Ridges who they believe hit Peeples as he was walking, then fled. Bridges is charged with hit and run and obstruction.

A barn at the New Orleans Fair Grounds Racetrack is under quarantine for a case of Equine Herpes virus, according to the Louisiana Department of Agriculture. Ag Commissioner Mike Strain says one horse at the location developed the neurological disease and was humanely euthanized by a veterinarian. He says, though not transmissible to humans, this virus is highly to contagious to horses and there is no vaccine to prevent it…:
Cut 6 (06)”highly infectious”
Horse owners are reminded to be vigilant and practice preventative measures.

The son of Avoyelles Parish DA Charles Riddle III has been booked into jail on counts of allegedly possessing counterfeit money and trashing a hotel room. The Advocate reports the arrest of 36-year-old John Riddle was addressed by his father in an emotional Facebook post saying his office was an alleged target and that the DA himself made the complaint. The elder Riddle emphasized that his office would be recused from prosecuting any case filed against his son.

It’s been a tough year for Louisiana law enforcement, as Louisiana was third in the nation for officers killed in the line of duty. President of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, Craig Floyd, says nationwide, 135 police officers were killed this year.

Cut 3 (12) “…ambush attacks”

One of those attacks occurred on July 17 in Baton Rouge when a gunman killed three officers and wounded three others in the wake of Alton Sterling’s death.

Baton Rouge Sheriff Sid Gautreaux says Baton Rouge didn’t see the riots fires or overturned cars after the shooting of Sterling.

Cut 6 (10) “peaceful manner”

Gautreaux says he is proud of the way law enforcement handled the protests after Sterling’s death.

The Department of Children and Family Services says the baby who was discovered in a Walmart trashcan will remain in state care. DCFS Secretary Marketa Garner Walters they will assess Baby Olivia’s family members to see who could provide long term care for the child.

Cut 13 (12) “of trauma”

Walters says they are also trying to locate Olivia’s father.

Tiger fans are gearing up for the Citrus Bowl in Orlando. Rhett Butler with the LSU Alumni Association says they’re expecting lots of fans to come out to Camping World Stadium for the 11 am kickoff.

Cut 8 (08) “as well”

Butler expects fans at the game will enjoy the festivities in Orlando to ring in the New Year.

2016 was a difficult year for Baton Rouge law enforcement. Emelie Gunn has more on their struggles…:
CUT 1 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

This was also a rough one for the state’s economy due to a struggling oil and gas industry. LSU economist Dr. Loren Scott says some exciting news that could help turn things around is an Exxon plant that’s considering building in Ascension or St. James Parish..:
CUT 12 (08) “high paying job”

The Department of Children and Family Services says the baby who was discovered in a Walmart trashcan will remain in state care for now. DCFS Secretary Marketa (Mar-kee-tah) Garner Walters says sometime in the next 45 days or so, they will go to court to decide on the next step for baby Olivia…:
Cut 15 (07) “for her”
Walters says they are also trying to locate Olivia’s father.

Tiger fans are gearing up for the Citrus Bowl against the Louisville Cardinals. Vice President of Development for the LSU Alumni Association, Rhett Butler, says they’ll have a contingent of fans arriving in Orlando on Friday and that includes a large group who live in Florida. He says there are several reasons why there is interest in this game….:
CUT 7 (08) “big draw”
He says the plan is to get everyone to Camping World Stadium in Orlando early in the morning for the 11 AM eastern time kickoff.

2016 was a tough year for Louisiana’s economy due to a struggling oil and gas industry, and LSU economist Dr. Loren Scott doesn’t expect much to change next year. But he says companies that produce natural gas are doing well which is why the Baton Rouge and Lake Charles areas could see more job growth in 2017…:
CUT 11 (09) “existing plants”
He says oil prices need to rebound before job increases will be seen.

East Baton Rouge Parish Sid Gautreaux is reflecting back on the trying year for law enforcement. He says the worst day of his career came on July 17th when three cops were killed in an ambush, and three others injured..:
CUT 5 (09) “the last”
But he says he’s proud of the way the community came together in the aftermath of the shootings, and how officers handled the situation.

The baby that was born in a New Roads Wal-Mart then placed in a trash can will be in foster care until an adoptive family can be found. That’s according to Department of Children and Family Services Secretary Marketa (Mar-kee-tah) Garner Walters. She says aside from being fragile medically, baby Oliva is doing well…:
CUT 14 (08) “we need”
Walters said she does not know how long it will take for her department to assess all options for Baby Olivia’s future custody.

A cold front is sweeping through the state and forecasters say temperatures today are slated to be much lower than the first half of the week. It’s breezy too and wind advisories are posted in southwest Louisiana and throughout Acadiana until 4 this afternoon.

Here in heart of the busiest holiday travel season in AAA’s recording keeping history, gas prices are climbing. The current statewide average for a gallon of regular is up to $2.12, a near nickle increase from the prior week.

The baby that was found in a trashcan in New Roads will remain in state care, according to the Department of Children and Family Services…:
Cut 3 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

The Louisiana Department of Ag has confirmed a case of the Equine Herpes Virus in a horse at the the New Orleans Fair Grounds Racetrack. They said thoroughbred gelding reportedly developed a fever and neurological signs last week and was euthanized on December 26. Although not transmissible to humans, EHM is a severe, often deadly, condition and horse owners are reminded to be vigilant and practice preventative measures.

Louisiana’s economy isn’t expected to change much in 2017. LSU economist Dr. Loren Scott says Baton Rouge and Lake Charles have a number of industrial projects that will get underway next year, but oil-dependent areas won’t be so lucky…:
Cut 10 (08) “in Houma”
He predicts job losses will be at a slower rate next year, but growth isn’t anticipated until 2018.

Many LSU fans are gearing up for a trip to Orlando to watch the Tigers take on Louisville Saturday morning in the Citrus Bowl. Vice President of Development for the LSU Alumni Association Rhett Butler says a big win in this game would mean spirits will be high headed into next season…:
CUT 9 (09) “quarterback”
The LSU football team will practice at 10:30 this morning, then participate in the Day for Kids at Tinker Field near Camping World Stadium.

Not much is expected to change in Louisiana’s economy next year. Jeff Palermo has more…:
Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

It was a trying year for law enforcement in Baton Rouge. East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff Sid Gautreaux says 2016 will be a year that he’ll never forget…:
cut 4 (10) “the flood”
He adds that he’s proud of the way officers and the community handled these trying times.

The Department of Children and Family Services says the baby who was discovered in a Walmart trashcan will remain in state care. DCFS Secretary Marketa (Mar-kee-tah) Garner Walters says baby Oliva is in foster care until they find an adoptive family…:
Cut 13 (12) “of trauma”
The child’s mother, 34-year-old Kyandrea Thomas, is incarcerated on a charge of attempted second degree murder.

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries says the recent picture that purported a second cougar had been spotted in the state is not real. They said the picture circling claiming the animal had been in Tangipahoa Parish ended up being a photoshopped hoax. LDWF made a Facebook post saying they determined this is the same image of a cougar posted on the internet that was originally taken from a trail cam in Oklahoma.

After enduring two historic floods this year, more Louisianans are buying flood insurance. Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says in July, there were 451-thousand policies in place, and now there are more than 480-thousand. He says the biggest spikes were in areas affected by the August flood.

Cut 4 (10) “East Baton Rouge Parish”

Ascension, Lafayette, and Tangipahoa parishes saw similar hikes in policies.

A cold front will move across the state tonight, bringing more seasonable temperatures tomorrow. But Roger Erickson with the National Weather Service says warmer weather will return this weekend and there’s also a chance of severe weather.

Cut 12 (08) “as well”
Erickson says the cooler air will east the dense fog that’s developed over the last few days.

A Jeanerette man has been arrested in connection with the death of 75-year-old man who went missing on Christmas day. Capt. Richard Fleming with the Iberia Parish Sheriff’s office says Howard Poche’s body was located on his property, but they are not providing any other details.

Cut 7 (10) “the investigation”

Jeffery Marks was booked into the Iberia Parish Jail on a charge of first degree murder.

Louisiana had plenty of bizarre stories in 2016. The Amite High School valedictorian was not able to attend graduation because of his facial hair. Pastor Roosevelt Wright helped organize a special ceremony for Andrew Jones, but said it was incomprehensible that he was denied that privilege at his school.

Cut 10 (11) a baby”