Jurors heard important testimony from Kevin O’ Neal during the Will Smith shooting trial today. O’ Neal is a long time friend of Cardell Hayes, who is charged with second-degree murder. O’Neal was in Hayes hummer during the car accident that sparked the shooting. O’Neal says at no time was Hayes the aggressor in the heated situation. O’ Neal also said that the last time he saw the former Saints player alive, his wife was trying to push him away from the dispute.

A low voter turnout is expected for Saturday and Secretary of State Tom Schedler says that’s why he will push the Louisiana legislature to do away with December federal elections. He says not only is turnout low, it’s also hard to find commissioners to work during the holidays..:
CUT 7 (07) “can’t attend”
Schedler says it would make more sense to have the primary in October and then a November run-off.

Heading into Saturday’s election day, it appears the third district congressional race is a close one. Two republicans square off in that race, Clay Higgins and Scott Angelle. ULM political science professor John Sutherlin…
cut 3 (10) “…Angelle”
Secretary of State Tom Schedler says overall turnout for the election could be below 30-percent.

An Affordable Housing Expo will take place tomorrow and Saturday in Baton Rouge at Celtic Movie Studios. Mike Steele, with the governor’s office of homeland security and emergency preparedness, says temporary housing models will be on display, including tiny houses, which are less than 500 square feet, but contain a kitchen, bedroom and bathroom…
cut 10 (10) “…they’re made”
The expo starts Friday at noon and the hours on Saturday are from 9 AM to 3 PM.

There were some intense exchanges today between prosecutors and Kevin O’ Neal in the trial of Cardell Hayes, who is facing second-degree murder in the death of former Saints star Will Smith. O’ Neal was a passenger in Hayes car at the time of the shooting and he said that Smith and at least two others charged at them after a traffic crash on April 9th. The prosecution has said Smith was not the aggressor in this situation.

Secretary of State Tom Schedler would like to end December elections in Louisiana because they usually have a low turnout. Michelle Southern has more…
voicer 2 (30) “…I”m Michelle Southern”

So are there any positives to this cold weather we are experiencing. Doctor Michelle Moore, clinical psychologist with the LSU Health Sciences Center, says it might help more people get in the holiday spirit, which would be good news for retailers…
cut 14 (08) “….in a good way”
We are not expecting any snow flurries tonight, but the low temperature will get below freezing for much of the state.

The governor’s office of homeland security and emergency preparedness is holding an Affordable Housing Expo for flood victims at the Celtic movie studios in Baton Rouge. GOHSEP spokesperson Mike Steele says different manufactured homes that could be used by flood victims will be on display and other services will also be there….
cut 11 (09) “…on hand”
The expo is from noon to 8 PM on Friday and 9 AM until 3 PM on Saturday.

We’re a day away from election day and candidates are out in full force with their campaigns. In the 3rd Congressional District between Republicans Scott Angelle and Clay Higgins, the so called Cajun John Wayne has had success riding the wave of anti-establishment politicians:
cut 4 (08) “career politician”
That’s ULM Political Science Professor John Sutherlin. He says there’s not quite as much excitement in the 4th District where Mike Johnson is expected to easily win.

A good turnout is not expected for Saturday and Secretary of State Tom Schedler says he’s going to push for Louisiana to do away with December federal elections. He says it’s also hard to find commissioners to work during the holidays..:
CUT 7 (07) “can’t attend”
He says he’ll talk to legislators more about this next year in the hopes of moving up the federal elections in 2018.

An Affordable Housing Expo will be held in Baton Rouge this weekend for flood victims. Mike Steele with GOHSEP says there are people at different stages of recovery, so there will be a variety of housing options on display. He says people can come see manufactured and modular homes, park trailers and pre-fab housing…:
Cut 9 (09) “their recovery”
The expo will be open from noon until 8 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. until 3 pm Saturday at the Celtic Media Centre.

Louisiana is seeing the coldest temperatures of the season so far and many folks are finding themselves becoming more in the holiday spirit as a result. That’s according to Dr. Michelle Moore, clinical psychologist with LSU Health Sciences Center. She says you could even argue the cold weather Christmas Spirit is good for the economy…:
cut 12 (06) “while it’s cold”
She says we’re more in the holiday spirit because many Christmas traditions are centered around it being cold outside.

There are two U.S. House seats remaining on the ballot for this Saturday’s election. Jeff Palermo has more on the competitive races..:
CUT 1 (31) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

There aren’t many people expected to vote in this Saturday’s runoff and Secretary of State Tom Scheduler says he wants to start talking about eliminating December federal elections. He says it makes more sense finish up in November…:
CUT 8 (10) “this year”

President Obama is slated to sign the first major mental health bill in nearly a decade. It’s co-authored by US Senator Bill Cassidy. Emelie Gunn reports…:
Cut 1 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

The friend of the man on trial for murder in the death of former Saints player Will Smith took the stand today. Kevin O’Neal, who is a witness for the state, said he and the suspect, Cardell Hayes, were in fear for their safety from the beginning of the situation that lead to the shooting. The sequestered jury is hearing day 4 of testimony in the Smith trial.

The two remaining U.S. House races in Louisiana are heating up as the election is only two days away. ULM Political Science Professor John Sutherlin gives his take on the close 3rd Congressional District race between Republicans Captain Clay Higgins, aka the Cajun John Wayne, and Public Service Commissioner Scott Angelle…:
Cut 3 (10) “Angelle”
Most analysts agree that Republican Mike Johnson will win the 4th Congressional District seat over Democrat Marshall Jones.

Secretary of State Tom Schedler says based on the likelihood of low turnout on Saturday’s elections, he would like to have a conversations with the legislature about ending December elections. He says it might make more sense to have the primary for federal elections in early October and the runoff in November…:
Cut 6 (11) “and seniority”

Canadian air is moving towards Louisiana and bringing winter weather with it. Jeff Palermo reports…:
Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

Tis the season for holiday parties, and that means your company Christmas party too. Tulane business professor Dr. Mark Rosa says now that we’re out of the recession, he expects most companies will throw parties this year…:
CUT 1 (08) “get-together”
He says you should always consider an office Christmas party mandatory.

Louisiana has the best business climate for construction, according to a report from American Builders and Contractors. Vice President of Governmental Affairs with ABC of Louisiana, John Walters, hopes this ranking will persuade more companies to build in Louisiana.

Cut 6 (11) “of workers”

Walters says they’re working to help people advance their skills in this industry.

It’s beginning to feel a lot like winter in the Bayou State. State climatologist Barry Keim says it’s time for Louisianans to break out their cold weather gear.

Cut 10 (10) “the state”

Keim says today high temperatures will only be in the 40s for most of the state.

US Senator Bill Cassidy’s mental healthcare reform bill is on its way to be signed into law by the president. Cassidy says this legislation gives family members more access to their loved one’s doctors.

Cut 14 (11) “mental illness”

Cassidy says the bill will also keep mentally ill people out of jails and get them into treatment.

As holiday party invitations start flooding your inbox, Tulane business professor Mark Rosa has some do’s and don’ts for your office Christmas party. He says it’s important for people to circulate and detach from technology.

Cut 8 (08) “somebody else”

Rosa also warns against talking shop and running out early.

Louisiana has the best business climate for construction, according to a report from American Builders and Contractors. Halen Doughty has more:
CUT 1 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

Temperatures in Louisiana will be gradually falling throughout the day, and State Climatologist Barry Keim says you can expect it to freeze before week’s end…:
CUT 12 (12) “southern half”

A landmark mental health reform bill co-authored by Republican U.S Senator Bill Cassidy is on its way to be signed into law by the President. One of the thing the act does is strengthens suicide prevention programs. Cassidy says the legislation also provides more funding for the massive opiod crisis…:
CUT 15 (10) “that addiction”
He says it’s vital to expand access to resource for those who need treatment for mental disorders.

It’s office Christmas party time and it’s always good to brush up on reminders when it comes to imbibing with your co-workers. Tulane business professor Mark Rosa says always drink in moderation, and put your phone down and be social…:
CUT 8 (08) “somebody else”

USA Today is reporting that Alabama offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin is close to signing a deal to be the next head coach at Houston. Kiffin is said to be one of the main people LSU is seeking to hire to be OC under head coach Ed Orgeron.

Canadian air is moving towards Louisiana and bringing winter weather with it. Jeff Palermo reports…:
Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

So bundle up as you head out to your holiday office parties, and experts are advising you to also keep a few things in mind when letting your hair down with the boss. Tulane business professor Dr. Mark Rosa…:
CUT 9 (08) “in moderation”
He also says you should always consider an office holiday party mandatory.

A report from American Builders and Contractors ranks Louisiana as the best business climate for construction. Vice President of Governmental Affairs with ABC of Louisiana, John Walters, says the report shows you can have a very good career in the construction industry and there’s a demand for those workers…:
Cut 5 (11) “in Louisiana”
He credits good legislation in the state that benefits the construction industry.

There’s a lot of hype surrounding President-elect Donald Trump’s visit to Baton Rouge tomorrow to rally for US Senate candidate John Kennedy. But the state treasurer’s opponent, Democrat Foster Campbell, is requesting equal coverage of his candidacy the day before Saturday’s election. Campbell is holding a press availability in the morning at 9am, ahead of Mr. Trump’s appearance at the Baton Rouge Airport which is slated for noon.

Gas prices are on the rise once again. The current statewide average for a gallon of regular according to AAA is $2.04, more than 6 cents higher than a week ago.