Doctors at TIRR Memorial Hermann in Houston are at this hour giving an update on the progress of wounded East Baton Rouge Deputy Nick Tullier who was gunned down in an ambush that claimed the lives of three other officers. The TIRR Memorial Hermann team, along with James Tullier, Nick’s father, are sharing their discoveries during the first public update on Deputy Tullier’s journey to recovery.

A report by Bankrate.com finds Louisiana is the fourth worst state for drivers. Spokesperson Claes Bell says the survey looked at a broad range of data to determine the ranking, like Louisiana being 49th in the nation for insurance cost…:
CUT 7 (11) “of accidents”
He says another thing attributing to the negative ranking is Louisiana’s above average commute time which is 25 minutes.

Alexandria Police announce the arrest of two people in connection with a stabbing death. Cpl. Wade Bourgeois says the victim was discovered when police received a call Tuesday….:
Cut 3 (10) “multiple times”
Bourgeois says their investigation led them to 54-year-old Daniel Mikkelson and 35-year-old Natarsha Meredith who are both charged with robbery and first degree murder.

State Police say a West Carroll Parish woman has been arrested in the shooting death of her husband. A television report says the victim was killed a day after his birthday. Senior Trooper Michael Reichardt says they responded to a call of a shooting in Epps shortly after midnight Tuesday…:
Cut 5 (08) “Larry Carroll”
Reichardt says Sollars has been charged with second degree murder.

Could we see lower beef prices for the holiday after US beef production for November was the highest we’ve seen since 2010. CattleFax says consumers could expect better sale prices and more limited-time offers on menu items. But CEO of Cattle Producers of Louisiana, Dave Foster, says we may have to wait until January 2017 until we see a noticeable dip in prices…
cut 12 (07) “…retail outlet”

Lake Charles Police arrest a 59-year-old man for allegedly committing a murder that occurred nearly 30 years ago. Lt. Richard Harrell says Harry James Richard killed 75-year-old Noah Breaux and then lit his home on fire…
cut 8 (09) “…suspects tracks”
Harrell says new information from witnesses led to the arrest of Richard, who has always been a suspect in Breaux’s death.

Charlie Melancon is out as the Secretary of the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. Governor John Bel Edwards says that he and the former Congressman have agreed the agency needs to move in a different direction. Edwards says this will be a time for transition, but he remains optimistic positive reforms can be completed to address the mismanagement conducted by the previous administration, according to a recent state audit.

FEMA says flood victims waiting for a mobile home will receive one by January 31st. Emelie Gunn has more….
Voicer 1 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

Flood victims frustrated over not having received a FEMA housing unit yet will be getting one by January 31st. Deputy Federal Coordinating Officer for FEMA Tito Hernandez says he realizes there’s a hold up, but it’s been difficult to install these mobile trailers in front of someone’s flood-damage home…:
Cut 6 (08) “been done”
He says they’ve done $456 million dollars worth of emergency home repair and paid $120 million in rent.

If you want to get Christmas presents sent on time, you better get to the post office today. New Orleans Postmaster Matt Connelly says after today you’ll have to select pricier options like priority and priority express. He says people can find information and shipping tips at USPS.com…:
Cut 15 (08) “no charge”
You have until December 20th to send Christmas cards first class.

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries secretary, Charlie Melancon, has stepped down from his position. Governor John Bel Edwards released a statement saying that Melancon has been a tremendous public servant, but the two have agreed that LDWF should move in a different direction.

Increased beef production could mean consumers see lower prices, according to the National Cattleman’s Beef Association. Jeff Palermo has more…:
Cut 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

The headliners for the 2017 Essence Festival were announced today, and on top of the bill is none other than music icon Diana Ross.

FEMA announces any flood victims awaiting a manufactured housing unit will receive one by January 31st. Deputy Federal Coordinating Officer for FEMA Tito Hernandez says a lot of work goes into installing a FEMA home, which is considered a last resort when it comes to temporary housing. He says even given the criticism, they are pleased with their performance…:
Cut 5 (10) “a lot”
He says 25-hundred families are currently eligible to live in a mobile home.

The National Cattleman’s Beef Association says consumers could see lower beef prices because of an increase in production. CEO of Cattle Producers of Louisiana, Dave Foster, says don’t expect lower prices for beef for the holidays, because consumers a lot of beef this time of year…:
cut 11 (10) “the price”
The US Department of Agriculture found that November 2016 was the largest beef production month since 2010.

A 59-year-old man has been arrested for murder in a Lake Charles cold case that’s nearly 30-years-old. Halen Doughty has more…:
Cut 2 (31) “I’m Halen Doughty”

If you plan on mailing a gift this Christmas, you’re running out of time to ship it. New Orleans Postmaster Matt Connelly says it’s important to make sure your packages are properly labeled inside and out…:
cut 14 (08) “on time”
He says the deadline for first class mail is December 20th.

Flood victims waiting for a mobile home from FEMA will receive one by January 31st. Emelie Gunn has more…:
CUT 1 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

The National Cattleman’s Beef Association says consumers could see lower beef prices because of an increase in production. CEO of Cattle Producers of Louisiana, Dave Foster, says packagers are offering feeders more money for their cattle, which has helped the market rebound…:
Cut 10 (08) “to market”

The Governor’s Office confirms LDWF Secretary Charlie Melancon has stepped down. Melancon becomes the first cabinet secretary to leave the 11 month old Edwards Administration. The Governor says this will be a time of transition for the department, but there are positive reforms being made to LDWF to correct issues raised in the legislative auditor’s report regarding the previous administration.

The attorney for the man convicted of manslaughter for killing former Saints player Will Smith says they are mapping out an appeal this week. Cardell Hayes is scheduled to be sentenced February 17th, and the DA says he is seeking the maximum 60 years.

Lake Charles Police have made an arrest in a homicide that took place in 1987. Lt. Richard Harrell says they re-opened the cold case last spring and put together enough evidence to charge 59-year-old Harry James Richard with armed robbery and first degree murder in the death of 75-year-old Noah Breaux…:
CUT 7 (10) “be prosecuted”
Harrell says more evidence and witness testimony has since come out, and police are preparing a case to present to the DA.

FEMA announces any flood victims awaiting a manufactured housing unit will receive one by January 31st. Deputy Federal Coordinating Officer for FEMA Tito Hernandez says 25-hundred families are currently eligible to live in a mobile home…:
cut 4 (06) “the field”
Hernandez says the holdup occurs when the portable homes are placed on personal property, as it’s hard to install these units in front of someone’s flood-damage home.

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries secretary, Charlie Melancon, has stepped down from his position. Governor John Bel Edwards released a statement saying that Melancon has been a tremendous public servant, but the two have agreed that LDWF should move in a different direction. The former congressman resigned on the heels of a state audit showing some problems under his predecessor.

Newly elected 4th District Congressman Mike Johnson is resigning from his statehouse seat. Media outlets report that State Rep. Johnson, a Republican from Bossier City, sent his letter of resignation Tuesday.

If you plan on mailing a gift this Christmas, you’re running out of time to ship it. New Orleans Postmaster Matt Connelly says today is the deadline for ground mailing through the US Postal Service. He says other deadlines are also approaching…:
Cut 13 (08) “December 23”
He says today is the biggest mailing day of the season.

New LSU offensive coordinator Matt Canada doesn’t think it will take long for the Tigers to have a high-powered offense. Canada says his playbook is simple and effective and it will be tailored around the strengths of the players…:
Cut 16 (16) “proud of that”

According to FEMA, flood victims waiting for a mobile home will receive one by January 31st. Emelie Gunn has more….

CUT 1 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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A 59-year-old man has been arrested for murder in a Lake Charles cold case that’s nearly 30-years-old. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Halen Doughty”

______________________________________

Increased beef production could mean consumers see lower prices, according to the National Cattleman’s Beef Association. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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FEMA announces any flood victims awaiting a manufactured housing unit will receive one by January 31^st. Deputy Federal Coordinating Officer for FEMA Tito Hernandez says 25-hundred families are currently eligible to live in a mobile home.

cut 4  (06) “the field”

Currently on average, FEMA is installing 30 trailers each day. Hernandez says a lot of work goes into installing a FEMA home, which is considered a last resort when it comes to temporary housing. He says even given the criticism, they are pleased with their performance.

Cut 5  (10)  “a lot”

Hernandez says the holdup occurs when the portable homes are placed on personal property rather than in a commercial location. He says it’s been difficult to install these units in front of someone’s flood-damage home….

Cut 6 (08) “been done”

________________________________________

Lake Charles Police have made an arrest in a homicide that took place in 1987. Lt. Richard Harrell says they re-opened the cold case last spring and put together enough evidence to charge 59-year-old Harry James Richard with armed robbery and first degree murder in the death of 75-year-old Noah Breaux.

CUT 7 (10)  “be prosecuted”

Harrell says more evidence and witness testimony has since come out, and Breaux’s body was exhumed in August. He says 30 years ago, first responders responded to a house fire and they discovered Breaux’s body in his home, which launched a homicide investigation at the time.

Cut 8 (09) “suspect’s tracks”

Harrell says the investigation is still ongoing, as police prepare to present the case to the District Attorney. He says the family is relieved that an arrest has finally been made, decades after Breaux’s death.

Cut 9 (08)  “hoped for”

________________________________________

The National Cattleman’s Beef Association says consumers could see lower beef prices because of an increase in production. CEO of Cattle Producers of Louisiana, Dave Foster, says the increase in U.S. beef production is due to packagers offering feeders more money for their cattle, which helped the struggling market rebound.

Cut 10 (08) “to market”

The US Department of Agriculture found that November 2016 was the largest beef production month since 2010. But Foster says don’t expect lower prices for beef for the holidays, because consumers a lot of beef this time of year.

cut 11 (10) “the price”

CattleFax is more optimistic, as they say consumers could expect better sale prices and more limited-time offers on menu items. But Foster says we may have to wait until January 2017 until see a noticeable dip in prices.

cut 12 (07) “retail outlet”

________________________________________

If you plan on mailing a gift this Christmas, you’re running out of time to ship it. New Orleans Postmaster Matt Connelly says today is the deadline for ground mailing through the US Postal Service. He says other deadlines are also approaching.

Cut 13 (08) “December 23”

Connelly reminds everyone that you cannot mail things that are liquid hazardous perishable, like lithium batteries, perfume, or nail polish, and fragile packages should be labeled. He says it’s also important to make sure your packages are properly labeled inside and out.

cut 14 (08) “on time”

Connelly says today will be the busiest mailing day, and the busiest delivery day will be December 22. He says they even have solutions for people who can’t make it to the post office in person. He says people can find information and shipping tips at USPS.com.

Cut 15 (08) “no charge”

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New LSU offensive coordinator Matt Canada doesn’t think it will take long for the Tigers to have a high-powered offense. Canada says his playbook is simple and effective and it will be taylored around the strengths of the players….

Cut 16 (16) “proud of that”

LSU’s previous head coach Les Miles was criticized for meddling to much with the offensive game plan. Canada doesn’t think that will be a problem with Head Coach Ed Orgeron

Cut 17 (14)    “football games”

During his previous stops, Canada has shown the ability to move the ball and score points with different types of offenses. He says when he gets on the recruiting trail, he won’t look for a particular style of quarterback, but instead the best Q-B…

Cut 18 (18) “who is accurate”

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The last couple of games have been rough for the Saints. They’ve only scored 24 points and Quarterback Drew Brees has not thrown a touchdown pass and has been intercepted six times. Brees knows he’ll bounce back…

Cut 19 (15)   “those corrections”

This Sunday the Saints visit the Arizona Cardinals. Arizona is a disappointing 5-7-and-1, but they are number one in the NFL total yards allowed per game. Brees knows their offense will face a huge challenge this weekend….

cut 20 (14)   “all year”

A judge ruled in favor of Attorney General Jeff Landry in the suit filed by the governor for blocking state contracts that contained anti-LGBT discrimination language. Landry says the governor can’t issue executive orders that don’t support a current law.

Cut 7 (07) “create it”

Sean Sullivan with Forum for Equality Foundation says this ruling is another setback for the LGBT community in Louisiana.

LSU President F. King Alexander went before the House Appropriations Committee and expressed his concerns over the 16^th budget cut in nine years that the school is facing. Alexander says at some point the state needs to invest in the next generation of students.

Cut 12 (11) “they have”

Former US Representative Charlie Melancon has resigned as the state’s wildlife and fisheries secretary. Governor John Bel Edwards issued a statement saying it’s time to take the department in a different direction. Edwards says while there will be a transitional period, there are positive reforms that can be made to correct the issues made under the previous administration.

Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser wants to boost international travel throughout Louisiana. Don Molino has more…

Cut 1 (28) “I’m Don Molino”

Governor John Bel Edwards’ executive order preventing LGBT discrimination in state government and businesses who have contracts with the state has been overturned. Attorney General Jeff Landry says he applauds Judge Todd Hernandez’ ruling. He says at the end of the day, this case was about the governor trying to create his own law….
cut 6 (11) “…the process”
Edwards says he plans on appealing the ruling and believes the executive order is necessary to show the state does not tolerate discrimination.

LSU made it official today by naming Matt Canada as the Tigers new offensive coordinator. Tiger Rag Associate Editor James Moran believes it’s a good hire and it gives LSU two young and talented coordinators, Canada and defensive coordinator Dave Aranda….
cut 11 (09) “…versatility”

LSU President F. King Alexander expresses his concerns to legislators about future budget cuts to higher ed….
Cut 2 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

And Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser wants international tourists to visit the entire state, now just southeast Louisiana. Nungesser says out of country travelers would like our rural attractions and we’ll see more international tourists over the next couple of years…
cyt 5 (09) “…more money”