Crude oil prices are falling again today. They are down 47-percent since June and it’s the largest drop in five years. When oil prices decline over a long period of time, it means less revenue for the state government. But Greg Albrecht, chief economist for the state legislative fiscal office, is hopeful other revenue streams can make up for the loss in mineral revenues…:
CUT 9 (09) “our revenue”
He says the Revenue Estimating Conference will meet next month and agree on a forecast for future revenues.

Former Florida Governor Jeb Bush says he plans to “actively explore” a presidential campaign and an operation allowing him to raise money for a bid. So what does this mean for Governor Bobby Jindal’s presidential aspirations? UL-Lafayette Political Science Professor Pearson Cross this news won’t change anything Jindal is doing…:
CUT 3 (09) “and moving ahead”
Jindal is in Iowa today.

Bill Cosby’s wife Camille is defending her husband against the accusations of sexual assault made by several women. She says Bill Cosby is not a predator and there has been no vetting of his accusers. Rachel Hebert is the executive director of Sexual Trauma Awareness & Response in Baton Rouge. She says these cases are so difficult because drugs and alcohol are involved…:
CUT 6 (13) “credibility”
Camille Cosby says the accusers have been given a pass in the media but Hebert feels it’s Bill Cosby who has been given too much privilege because of who he is.

Baton Rouge Police say a man is behind bars after he allegedly tried to run his ex-girlfriend over with a car then crashed into a house. 22-year-old Damion Shields was booked into parish prison on a charge of attempted second-degree murder. The woman is in the hospital but her condition is unknown at this time.