Governor John Bel Edwards says cuts to higher ed and health care are not solutions to the budget crisis, but Republican House Appropriations Committee Chairman Cameron Henry says he’s more interested in where they can trim the fat, before raising taxes. He believes lawmakers will look at ways the state can reduce spending first…:
CUT 3 (06) “than we make”
Henry says nobody likes budget cuts, but unfortunately they are necessary.

New Orleans, Baton Rouge and Shreveport-Bossier are in the top 10 best places to live and work as a movie maker in 2016. That’s according to rankings on moviemaker.com. Executive Director of Louisiana’s Film Office Chris Stelly says these cities have great infrastructure and staging facilities…:
CUT 10 (11) “very easy”

The two men accused in the kidnapping and murder of a Baton Rouge couple have been indicted on two counts each of first degree murder. District Attorney Hillar Moore says the death penalty is now on the table. 42-year-old Ernesto Alonso and 48-year-old Frank Garcia allegedly robbed 71-year-old Denis Duplantier and his 70-year-old white Suzy, before taking them from their home and killing them in October of last year, according to authorities.

The Louisiana Department of Transportation is surveying an Iberia Parish railroad crossing where five people died right before Christmas. DOTD Spokesperson Rodney Mallett says gates were put up over 10 years ago and a “do not stop on tracks” sign is in place. He sys they are working to learn if additional traffic enhancements are needed…:
cut 12 (11) “these routes”
Mallett says on average there has been one crash per year at this railroad crossing intersection for the last four years.