The former Louisiana House speaker is indicted on a pair of charges related to the disappearance of an ancient artifact. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

The longest government shutdown in American history is over.  President Donald Trump signed a government funding bill last night, ending 43 days of no pay and uncertainty for thousands of Americans.  President Trump blamed the shutdown on Democrats, saying the American people should not forget this come mid-term elections next year.

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The American Society of Civil Engineers is out with its quadrennial report card for Louisiana’s infrastructure. Grading ten metrics, it gives Louisiana an overall grade of a C-minus, which is just below the national grade of a C. Report Card Chairman Kirk Lowery says Louisiana’s bridges got a D-plus.

Cut 4 (11) “…and capital improvement.”

The State Bond Commission has approved the City of New Orleans’ request to secure a 125-million-dollar loan to cover payroll costs into January. Louisiana Legislative Auditor Mike Waguespack will oversee the dedicated fund for the loan.  Waguespack says improper budgeting practices, no oversight of overtime spending and the loss of federal COVID recovery dollars contributed to the Crescent City’s crisis.

Cut 8 (13) “…your biggest issue.”