Governor John Bel Edwards spoke with House Republicans today about the state’s looming one-point-one billion dollar plus budget deficit. Edwards told conservative lawmakers he would like to close the budget gap by using the recommendations developed by a budget and tax task force
Cut 8 (10) “those recommendations.”
A big reason for the so called “fiscal cliff” is that one penny from the state’s five-cent sales tax will expire on June 30th.

The headquarters for the state Department of Transportation were vandalized last night by gunfire, according to State Police. The building is located near the Governor’s mansion in Baton Rouge. Senior Trooper Bryan Lee says investigators are currently collecting evidence and working to determine a cause and who would’ve done this.
Cut 14 (08) “the incident”
Windows on the east side of the building received damage from the gunshots.

St. Landry Parish authorities have identified two bodies found in Lake Dubbisson. Jeff Palermo says the next step is trying to find out why there were together…
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A Boutte man is thanking his beloved pup, Rusty, for saving him from a house fire. Calvin Baldwin says he fell asleep on his couch after a long day of watching the high school football championship games in New Orleans when he was woken by Rusty pawing at his hands. Baldwin saw smoke near the bathroom and was able to get out of the house with the dog. It’s believed the fire was started by an electrical spark.