A Southern Media and Opinion Research Poll finds voters are evenly divided between Governor Edwards and Republican legislators on budget cuts. Pollster Bernie Pinsonat says the poll shows why Republicans are staunch in their position to reduce state spending…:
Cut 14 (07) “cut spending”
46% of those surveyed agree with the Governor and are opposed to budget cuts.

If your new years resolution is to lose weight and be healthier, state officials remind you that most commitments are abandoned within the first week of the year. Rebecca Guidroz with the Louisiana Department of Health’s Well Ahead Program says it’s better to focus on lifestyle changes you can do on a daily basis…:
Cut 11 (07) “realistic goals”
She says instead of joining a gym, it might be easier to incorporate activities you would enjoy to get you moving more.

The LSU Tigers leave today for Orlando where they’ll play Notre Dame in the Citrus Bowl on January 1st. Before leaving Baton Rouge, head coach Ed Orgeron spoke about his relationship with offensive coordinator Matt Canada. It appeared there was tension between the two after the upset loss to Troy, but Orgeron says the offense has been fantastic…:
Cut 17 (09) “been great”
But Glen Guilbeau at the USA Today Network is reporting that sources say the school has been working on an agreement since the Texas A&M game to let Matt Canada go after the bowl game next week.

Governor John Bel Edwards is celebrating the fact that the state will not have to make mid-year cuts for the first time in nearly a decade. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 1 (28) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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New Orleans is prepping for a busy weekend as football fans pour into the city for the Sugar Bowl. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 2 (29) “Matt Doyle Reporting”

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If dieting and exercise are your New Years resolutions, it can be hard to keep if you fail to reach your goals.  Kelley Ray says think about making lifestyle changes instead.

Cut 3 (30) “Kelley Ray.”

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Governor John Bel Edwards says he’s proud of the growth in the state’s economy over the last year. Unemployment is down, and two sectors, healthcare and construction saw record levels of employment. Edwards says the state’s economic recovery under his first two years has been strong…

Cut 4  (11) “became governor.” 

Because the governor expanded the Medicaid program, there’s been a huge increase in individuals receiving government-sponsored health care. But the governor says it’s his goal to get more people employed and covered under an employer sponsored health care plan…

Cut 5  (05)  “a job.”

The state has seen growth in many large metro areas, including an agreement with DXC technology for a two thousand person facility in New Orleans, but the governor acknowledged that other regions of Louisiana are still facing sluggish growth…

Cut 6 (09)  “way to go”

The governor credited the growth to a reinvestment in higher education.

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This year, the Sugar bowl and New Year’s festivities are merging into one weekend long celebration in the Big Easy. Alabama and Clemson face off for the third year in a row Monday night, and New Orleans is expected to be at near full capacity for a series of parades, rallies, and live shows that will take place starting Saturday. Kristian Sonnier is with the New Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau…

Cut 7 (09)  “Sugar Bowl”

ABC’s Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin Eve will be in New Orleans for a second straight year to count down to the New Year in the Central Time Zone. Sonnier says rock bands Imagine Dragons and Walk the Moon will be part of the festivities

Cut 8 (10) “Big Weekend”

Sugar Bowl Chief Operating Officer, Jeff Hundley, says Allstate is hosting New Year’s Eve Mardi Grad Parade on Sunday afternoon that will travel through the French Quarter and end up on Canal Street

Cut 9 (10)  “the country.”

Hundley says the Allstate Fan Fest is back for its 12^th year. He says it starts Saturday in the Jax Brewery parking lot off of Decatur Street. He says this is where school pep rallies will take place, interactive games and other festivities….

Cut 10 (09) “the public”

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With 2018 right around the corner, you may be wanting to commit yourself to New Year’s resolutions that involve losing weight and being healthier.  However, most resolutions are usually abandoned within the first week of the year.  Rebecca Guidroz with the Louisiana Department of Health’s Well Ahead Program says it’s better to focus on lifestyle changes you can do on a daily basis…

Cut 11 (07) “realistic goals.”

In an attempt to reach their weight loss goals, some decide to get a gym membership.  However, Guidroz says the use of those drops off sharply by early spring.  She says it’s better to incorporate activities you would enjoy in the long run…

Cut 12 (09) “your goals.”

Guidroz says if cheating on a diet tends to be easy, especially when eating out, she has this idea to help you succeed…

Cut 13 (09)  “will come.”

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A Southern Media and Opinion Research Poll finds voters are evenly divided between Governor Edwards and Republican legislators on budget cuts.  46-percent agree with Governor Edwards who is opposed to reductions which would dramatically affect services. But, the same amount side with Republican legislators who say the budget can be cut without affecting state services.  Pollster Bernie Pinsonat says since the poll shows why Republicans are staunch in their position to reduce state spending…

Cut 14 (07) “cut spending.”

Pinsonat figures the pre-session poll about the budget shows Edwards’ 65-percent approval rating in November will be short lived…

Cut 15 (11) “legislative sessions.”

Another issue pollsters are divided on is the renewal of the one-cent sales tax set to expire June 30^th.  Nearly 25-percent agree to renew it with no spending reductions, just over 30-percent agree to renew it only if spending is reduced and 38-percent say don’t renew the tax and cut the budget.  Pinsonat says the poll reflects comprise will be needed during the February special session…

Cut 16 (06) “to happen.”

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The LSU Tigers leave today for Orlando where they’ll play Notre Dame in the Citrus Bowl on January 1st. Before leaving Baton Rouge, head coach Ed Orgeron spoke about his relationship with offensive coordinator Matt Canada. It appeared there was tension between the two after the upset loss to Troy, but Orgeron says the offense has been fantastic

Cut 17 (09) “been great”

LSU will be without three defensive starters for the bowl game against Notre Dame. Donnie Alexander, Arden Key and Corey Thompson are injured, so K’Lavon Chaisson, Michael Divinity and Tyler Taylor will take their spots. Orgeron says they’ll have to step up…

Cut 18 (13) “answer the bell”

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After a clinching a playoff berth last week in a win over the Falcons, the Saints are now focusing on Sunday’s regular season finale against Tampa Bay. A win for the Black and Gold and they will win the NFC South. Quarterback Drew Brees says it’s good to be playing for something with the playoffs starting in two weeks…

Cut 19 (15)   “control that”

The Saints head into the final game of the year, ranked second in the NFL in total yards per game. They are averaging nearly 400 yards a contest. Brees on their success this season…

Cut 20 (16) “exceptional”

Louisiana is experiencing another very cold evening, and it looks to stay this way and get even chillier into the New Year. State Climatologist Barry Keim says a second cold front is expected to sweep across the state Sunday, bringing in even cooler air….:

Cut 10 (10) “next few days”

It will bring the coldest air of the season thus far for Louisiana.

Health officials thought we’d be seeing fewer flu cases by now, but it’s actually gotten worse in Louisiana. Dr. Frank Welch with the state department of health says we’re seeing almost double the number of cases as our neighboring states…:

Cut 12 (10) “like-illness”

Louisiana is leading the nation in flu cases.

State Police are investigating a shooting early this morning in Monroe involving a Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s deputy.  Trooper Michael Reichardt says the incident started after a deputy stopped to assist a stalled vehicle…

Cut 15 (12) “was struck.”

Reichardt says charges are expected to be filed as the investigation continues.

The US Department of Agriculture will test a new method in 2018 for controlling the rampant feral hog population. Texas and Alabama were chosen for a pilot program involving a new poison bait that officials hope will target the swine, without damaging local ecosystems. Louisiana Ag Commissioner Mike Strain says the Sodium Nitrite targets red blood cells to incapacitate the pigs…

Cut 3 (06) “ninety minutes.”

Testing will begin after the first of the year…

Health officials thought we would have fewer flu cases by now, but it’s getting worse in Louisiana. Dr. Frank Welch with the state department of health says the spread will likely get worse before it gets better, and it’s not too late to get that flu shot…:
Cut 14 (09) “less severe”
Louisiana is leading the nation in the number of flu cases this year.

It’s been a cold day in Louisiana and it looks to stay this way and get even chillier into the New Year. State Climatologist Barry Keim says thermometers are slated to read in the low 20s along the I-20 corridor next Tuesday morning, and low 30s in the coastal zone…:
Cut 11 (08) “situation”
Light freezing rain is possible New Year’s Eve night in north Louisiana.

The US Department of Agriculture will test a new method in 2018 for controlling the rampant feral hog population that involves using sodium nitrite. It’s typically used as a meat preserver, and the salty flavor usually keeps wild animals uninterested. Ag Commissioner Mike Strain says part of the testing will be finding out how to get the pigs to actually eat it…
Cut 4 (12) “eating it.”
Testing starts early next year.

An officer involved shooting is under investigation in Monroe. State Police trooper Michael Reichardt says the yet unidentified suspect was taken to an area hospital with non-life threatening injuries and charges are expected to be filed…
Cut 16 (07) “point tomorrow.”
Reichardt says a deputy fired his weapon after attempting to assist a motorist that he thought was stranded in the Lakeshore area of Ouachita Parish.

Louisiana continues to lead the nation in flu cases. Tamiflu is flying off local pharmacy shelves. L-D-H’s Dr. Frank Welch says Tamiflu only shortens the illness by about a day, but it can help prevent complications and says it’s best when taken soon after the flu starts…
Cut 13 (10) “unfortunately”
Welch continues to advise residents to get a flu shot.

Louisiana was one of eight states that saw a population drop between July 2016 and July 2017. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the state’s population decreased by fewer than 2,000. Demographer Greg Rigamer says the state’s budget crisis has not helped encourage job growth. And with a projected one-billion-dollar shortfall looming, a quick fix is not coming…
Cut 7 (04) “this point.”

Louisiana is experiencing a very cold day, and it will get even chillier into the New Year. Michelle Southern reports…:
Cut 1 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

There was a police shooting in Louisiana today. It happened in Monroe. State Police say a Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Deputy approached a stalled vehicle around 2 AM, shots were fired and a man inside the vehicle was taken to a local hospital to be treated for his injuries. No deputies were injured in the encounter.

Health officials thought we’d be seeing fewer flu cases by now, but it’s actually gotten worse in Louisiana. Dr. Frank Welch with the state department of health says we’re seeing almost double the number of cases as our neighboring states…:

CUT 12 (10) “like-illness”

He says Louisiana is leading the nation in the number of flu cases this year.

Louisiana is experiencing another very cold day, and it looks to stay this way and get even chillier into the New Year. State Climatologist Barry Keim says the polar vortex has arrived with a vengeance and it’s going to affect us for at least the next week and perhaps even longer…:

Cut 9 (10)  “for Friday”

Keim says another cold front is expected to sweep across the state Sunday, bringing in even cooler air….:

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, between July 2016 and July 2017, Louisiana’s population decreased by fewer than 2,000.  About 27,000 relocated to other states. Demographer Greg Rigamer says the hospitality industry is huge in the Bayou State.  But if Louisiana wants to see the population increase again, wages need to go up for those working hard to welcome in travelers…

Cut 8 (07) “managerial jobs.”

The US Department of Agriculture will test a new method in 2018 for controlling the rampant feral hog population.  By using sodium Nitrite, the bait will target swine without damaging local ecosystems.  State Ag Commissioner Mike Strain says Texas and Alabama were chosen to test the program.  He says early results show it won’t be cheap…

Cut 5  (11)  “a year.”

Louisiana is leading the nation in the number of flu cases this year. The drug used to treat the flu, Tamiflu, is flying off local pharmacy shelves. Dr. Frank Welch with the State Health Department says Tamiflu only shortens the illness by about a day, but it can help prevent complications and says it’s best when taken soon after the flu starts…

Cut 13 (10)  “unfortunately”

An officer involved shooting is being investigated in Monroe.  State Police trooper Michael Reichardt says the yet unidentified suspect was taken to an area hospital with non-life threatening injuries with charges are expected to be filed as the investigation continues…

Cut 16  (07)  “point tomorrow.”

Reichardt says more information on the suspect and the deputy involved is expected tomorrow.  Reichardt declined to give the condition of the deputy or who fired the initial shots.

Louisiana is one of eight states that saw a population drop. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, between July 2016 and July 2017, the state’s population decreased by fewer than 2,000 Demographer Greg Rigamer says the state’s budget crisis has not helped encourage job growth in Louisiana, which is causing many to leave.  And with a projected one-billion-dollar shortfall, there doesn’t seem to be a quick fix coming…

Cut 7 (04)  “this point.”

The US Department of Agriculture will test a new method in 2018 for controlling the rampant feral hog population that involves using sodium nitrite.   It’s typically used as a meat preserver, and the salty flavor usually keeps wild animals uninterested. Ag Commissioner Mike Strain says part of the testing will be finding out how to get the pigs to actually eat it…

Cut 4  (12) “eating it.” 

Testing starts early next year.

Health officials thought we’d be seeing fewer flu cases by now, but it’s actually gotten worse in Louisiana. Dr. Frank Welch with the state department of health says the spread will likely get worse before it gets better, and it’s not to late to get that flu shot…:
Cut 14 (09) “less severe”
Louisiana is leading the nation in the number of flu cases this year.

Louisiana is experiencing another very cold day, and it looks to stay this way and get even chillier into the New Year. State Climatologist Barry Keim says thermometers are slated to read in the low 20s along the I-20 corridor next Tuesday morning, and low 30s in the coastal zone…:
Cut 11 (08) “situation”
He says temps aren’t leaving the 40s across the state today.

The US Department of Agriculture will test a new product to combat the nationwide swine infestation. Matt Doyle has more…:
Cut 2 (29) “I’m Matt Doyle”

State Police are investigating a shooting early this morning in Monroe involving a Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s deputy. Trooper Michael Reichardt:
Cut 15 (12) “was struck”
He says the suspect sustained non-life threatening injuries.