The Edwards administration is upset with House Republican leadership again after Appropriations Chairman Cameron Henry blocked an effort to recognize new revenues based on projections from two different economists. Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne says the economists provided evidence the state’s economy is getting better…
cut 8 (06) “…fiscal year”
But Henry says he’s concerned about the recent drop in the price of oil and other factors and doesn’t want to see the state spend money it doesn’t have.

The National flood insurance program is set to expire on Friday and Senator John Kennedy says lawmakers in flood prone states are trying to get a six-month extension and then come back in the next Congress and reform the N-F-I-P so its financially sustainable…
cut 16 (06) “…just stupid”
Kennedy is hopeful they’ll at least get the six month extension.

Former Congressional candidate Justin DeWitt believes his effort to unseat US Representative Garret Graves cost him his job as a surveyor from the Baton Rouge-based SJB Group. DeWitt, who appeared as a guest on Talk Louisiana with Jim Engster, says most of the people he worked for did not share his same political philosophy, but he didn’t let it get in the way of his work…
cut 5 (09) “….that separate”
Louisiana is at an At-Will state, which means companies can generally fire employees without cause.

You’re seeing a lot of Louisiana shot film and TV shows right now. Green Book is in the movie theater and it could be an Oscar contender, three different made for TV movies, filmed in Lafayette Parish debut during this holiday season and Louisiana Entertainment Director Chris Stelly there’s plenty of other TV series as well…
cut 12 (09) “….called the first”

Additional funding for prison systems and Louisiana Sheriffs has been put on hold after House Republican leadership rejects a forecast that shows the state receiving more revenues than anticipated…
voicer 1 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

The head of officiating at the Southeastern Conference says they are still reviewing the job the referees did in the LSU-Texas A-and-M game. Steve Shaw told the Advocate the crew did not have a horrible or bad game, just some tough plays to deal with.

Former Congressional candidate and Democrat Justin DeWitt was fired less than two days after his failed attempt to unseat Garret Graves in Louisiana’s 6th District. DeWitt worked as a surveyor for Baton Rouge based SJB Group, which is owned by Republican Wilfred Barry. DeWitt says after receiving a performance raise in July, and a performance bonus in October, the decision came as a shock.
Cut 4 (09) “downsizing.″
The Democrat appeared on Talk Louisiana and said he’s considering legal action.

Three holiday filmed movies shot in Lafayette Parish are making their debut during this holiday season. For instance, “The Christmas Contract” aired on Lifetime last week. Executive Director of Louisiana Entertainment, Chris Stelly, says even though we don’t have snow, south Louisiana still has the aesthetics that film makers are looking for…
cut 13 (09) “…almost anyplay”

Governor Edwards’ plans to provide an additional 43-million dollars in additional funding for several state agencies are on hold after House Appropriations Chairman Cameron Henry put a stop to the Revenue Estimating Conference’s plans to improve the state’s revenue forecast at a committee meeting. Henry disagreed with projections by economists that the state’s revenue situation is improving
Cut 7 (10) “…more money.”
Governor Edwards says Henry’s actions also jeopardizes an effort to provide teacher pay raises next year.

Did running for Congress against Garret Graves cost Justin DeWitt his job? DeWitt said on Talk Louisiana that he was let go from his job as a surveyor for the Baton Rouge-based SJB Group. He says his former firm benefited from the work Graves does in Congress….
cut 6 (10) “…for that”
S-J-B issued a statement that says they wish Mr. DeWitt the best of everything in his future endeavors.

Time is running out for Congress to renew the National Flood Insurance Program. Flood insurance will lapse if sought, if a six-month extension is not passed by Friday. Senator John Kennedy says they’re working towards an extension, but some lawmakers are trying to kill the program, permanently.
Cut 14 (11) “…a home.”
Kennedy says the opposition comes from legislators from non-flood prone states.

The recently released film “Green Book” which was shot in New Orleans and other southeast Louisiana locations is receiving consideration for Oscar nominations despite mixed reviews and mediocre ticket sales. Executive Director of Louisiana Entertainment, Chris Stelly, says the state has a history of producting critically acclaimed films…
cut 11 (06) “…recently released”

There’s a new budget dispute between the Edwards administration and House Republican leadership. During a Revenue Estimating Conference meeting, House Appropriations Chairman Cameron Henry would not go along with a recommendation by economists to upgrade the state’s economic forecast, because he doesn’t want the state to spend more money than it collects. Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne…
cut 9 (10) “….gunna be”
Dardenne says Henry’s action prevents the state from giving various agencies an additional 43-million dollars and he says it threatens an attempt to give teachers a pay raise next year. But Henry calls that more fearmongering from the Edwards administration….
cut 10 (09) “…session starts”
Henry says the R-E-C should wait a few months to get a clearer picture of the state’s finances.

There are some great new releases out now on both TV and the silver screen set in Louisiana, including a possible Oscar contender. Kevin Barnhart has the details.
Cut 2 (31) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

In the latest College Football Playoff Rankings, LSU comes in at number 10, putting them in position to play in a New Year’s Six Bowl game.

43 million in new spending for Corrections, Parish Sheriff’s, and other departments are on hold after a Metairie Representative rejects a forecast of more revenue for the state…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

_____________________________________________

There are some great new releases out now on both TV and the silver screen set in Louisiana, including a possible Oscar contender.  Kevin Barnhart has the details.

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”  

_______________________________

Congress has until Friday to renew the National Flood Insurance Program…

Cut 3 (30) “…Matt Doyle”

_____________________________________________

Former Congressional candidate and Democrat Justin DeWitt was fired less than two days after his failed attempt to unseat Garret Graves in Louisiana’s 6^th District. DeWitt worked as a surveyor for Baton Rouge based SJB Group, which a report says is owned by Republican Wilfred Barry. DeWitt says after receiving a performance raise in July, and a performance bonus in October, the decision came as a shock.

Cut 4 (09) “downsizing.″

The Democrat, on Talk Louisiana, said he’s approached the DA about criminal charges.

DeWitt suspects much of the decision was political, as most of the people he worked for did not share his same opinions, and that management began to increasingly probe the candidate after he qualified.

Cut 5 (09) “…that separate”

Louisiana is an At-Will state, which means companies can generally fire employees without cause.

The state’s first openly gay Congressional candidate says he has another theory as to why he was fired. His former firm did a lot of work with his opponent’s construction company, and relies on legislative support from the Congressman…

Cut 6 (10) “…for that.”

SJB would not elaborate on the decision, but “wishes Mr. DeWitt the best of everything in his future endeavors.”
__________________________________________________

Governor Edwards’ plans to fund 43 million dollars in additional projects for the year are on hold after  Representative Cameron Henry put a stop to the Revenue Estimating Committee’s plans to improve the state’s revenue forecast at a Committee meeting. Henry says he disagreed with the REC’s projections that the state’s revenue situation has improved.

Cut 7 (10) “…more money.”

Henry was representing House Speaker Taylor Barras at the meeting, who later backed the Metairie Republican’s decision.

The Edwards’ administration was hoping to use a better forecast to authorize tens of millions in additional spending for Corrections, Sheriffs, and Juvenile Justice, among other items. Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne says the two independent economists in attendance…

Cut 8 (06) “…fiscal year.”

Dardenne decried what he says was a partisan maneuver in a non-partisan committee.

Cut 9 (10) “…gunna be.”

Dardenne says he’ll just call for another meeting in near future, and this time he would like Barras in attendance for the unanimous vote necessary to pass the forecast.

The Commissioner says the move endangers the teacher pay raise Edwards is seeking, a raise that he hoped would be paid for by improved revenue. Henry says tying the much needed raise to “potential” revenue is “insulting”, and another example of fearmongering…

Cut 10 (09)   “…session starts.”

Henry is calling for the REC to wait a few months to get a clearer picture of the state’s finances.

_____________________________

Louisiana sees many productions around the state for television shows and motion pictures.  Now a recently released film, Green Book, is getting attention for possibly being an Oscar contender.  Executive Director of Louisiana Entertainment, Chris Stelly says there are many opportunities to see new content right now featuring the Bayou State.

Cut 11 (09) “…check out the networks.”

For those that choose to stay around the house and dodge the prices at the theater concessions, don’t worry, Stelly say there is plenty to choose from in the comfort of home.

Cut 12 (09)   “called the first.”

Stelly says many of the communities around the state have the aesthetic that many film makers are looking to use in their productions.

Cut 13 (09) “…with almost any place.” 

________________________________

Time is running out for Congress to renew the National Flood Insurance Program. Flood insurance will lapse if a sought after six month extension is not passed by Friday. Senator John Kennedy says they’re working towards an extension, but there’s some lawmakers who are trying to kill the program, permanently.

Cut 14 (11) “…a home.”

Kennedy says the opposition is not partisan, but geographical, comprised of leaders from non-flood-prone states.

The former Louisiana Treasury Secretary says a lapse would not only endanger the homes of many Louisianans, but could wreck the national economy by putting a halt on the construction of homes in flood zones.

Cut 15 (08) “…what happens.”

Kennedy, alongside much of the Louisiana Congressional Delegation, is seeking a long term fix that invests in flood prevention projects, and gets a handle on rising insurance costs, while also financially securing the programs future.

Cut 16 (06) “…just stupid”

But, he says that’s highly unlikely to pass in the last few weeks of the year before the next Congress starts.

___________________________________

The Ragin Cajuns will leave tomorrow for North Carolina where they’ll play Appalachian State in the first ever Sun Belt Championship football game on Saturday at 11 AM. Louisiana lost to the Mountaineers by 10 points last month, but Cajuns Coach Billy Napier knows he has a better team now…

Cut 17 (16) “know that”

App State is 9-2 overall, 7-1 in the Sun Belt as they clinched the East Division with a win over Troy. Napier says they need a good week of preparation in order to beat the Mountaineers on their home turf…

Cut 18 (19)   right way“

_________________________________________________________

Southern will meet Alcorn State in Saturday’s SWAC Championship game. The Jaguars have won five in a row and their last loss on the season was to the Braves on September 29th. Jags Head Coach Dawson Odums says they are a more confident team now thanks to the play of their quarterback…

Cut 19 (17)   “…different mindset”

The Braves lead the SWAC in total offense and rush offense as they are averaging 274 yards on the ground. Odums says they want to slow down that Alcorn run game…

Cut 20 (13) “…run defense”

The West Monroe Police Department have arrested a person of interest during the course of a suspicious death investigation.  31-year-old Shomari Clemons facing charges of mutilating, disinterring the human remains of his grandmother.  Sgt. CJ Beck says Clemons had a troubled past saying Clemons stated he learned how to make cuts similar to the one on the body’s arm while at LSU studying to mummify chickens.

Cut 14 (06) “…things like that.”

Early voting for the Secretary of State’s election run-off set for December 8^th is off to a slow start. JMC Analytics Pollster John Couvillon says the 31,000 early votes in the first two days are likely due to the fact that most folks aren’t even aware that there is an election less than two weeks away.

Cut 10 (10)   “…as well”

The run-off features Republican Interim Secretary Kyle Ardoin and Democratic Minister Gwen Collins-Greenup.

The Supreme Court sides with a St. Tammany landowner who argued a portion of his land was wrongfully deemed critical habitat for the dusky gopher frog, by forcing the lower courts to re-evaluate their previous decision. The landowner’s lawyer, Mark Miller says they’ll get to state their case that making the land livable for the frog would be an undue burden.

Cut 7 (05) “…and capricious.”

Wildlife and Fisheries argues that the land, which is just across the border from where the frogs currently reside in Mississippi, will be crucial for the future survival of the species.

LSU Coach Ed Orgeron says some unprofessional acts occurred after the seven overtime loss toTexas A-and-M. Coach O spoke with the ESPN Radio show Off the Bench, saying the post game confrontation that resulted in LSU Analyst Steve Kragthorpe getting shoved in the pacemaker once the only thing wrong with the night…

Cut 4 (11) “…for LSU.″

Saints Quarterback Drew Brees is on the cover of this week’s Sports Illustrated. The headline says its time to rethink Drew Brees and it also says please stop calling Brees an underdog. Writer Greg Bishop calls Brees one of the greatest quarterbacks, if not the greatest, who’s ever lived.

The Pelicans lost their fourth straight last night as they fell to Boston 124 to 107. New Orleans turned it over 22 times and that led to 32 points for the Celtics. Anthony Davis played with a bad hip, but still scored 27 points and 16 rebounds. New Orleans hosts Washington tomorrow night.

The LSU Tigers have dropped out of the Top 25 polls after losing two games in Orlando. The Tigers lost in overtime to Florida State and then fell to Oklahoma State 90-77 in the third place game of the AdvoCare Invitational . Coach Will Wade’s team returns to the court Saturday to host Grambling State.

Tonight….Northwestern State hosts longtime rival ULM. The Demons have won the last two games in this series.

LSU Football Coach Ed Orgeron believes the SEC will do the right thing regarding the postgame scuffle involving Texas A&M. Jeff Palermo has the story…
Cut 1 (31) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

Where will the LSU Tigers go bowling. Most of the projections have the Tigers either in the Peach Bowl in Atlanta or the Outback Bowl in Tampa. A new college football playoff ranking comes out tonight.

The Sun Belt announces the loser Saturday’s Championship game between the Cajuns and Appalachian State will play in the 2018 AutoNation Cure Bowl in Orlando on December 15.

LSU Football Coach Ed Orgeron believes the SEC will do the right thing regarding the postgame scuffle involving Texas A&M. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

Early voting numbers for the Secretary of State’s election run-off set for December 8^this off to a rough start. JMC Analystics Pollster John Couvillon says early voting numbers are down compared to the 2016 Senate run-off.

Cut 9 (12) “primary.”

The Supreme Court sides with a St. Tammany landowner who argued a portion of his land was wrongfully deemed critical habitat for the dusky gopher frog, by forcing the lower courts to re-evaluate their previous decision. The landowner’s lawyer, Mark Miller says previously, lower courts ruled in favor of US Fish and Wildlife’s broad lee-way to set aside land for certain species.
 Cut 6 (08) “…the frog.”
The West Monroe Police Department have arrested a person of interest during the course of a suspicious death investigation.  31-year-old Shomari Clemons facing charges of mutilating, disinterring the human remains of his grandmother.  Sgt. CJ Beck says Clemons could not state how the deceased received the postmortem injuries.

Cut 13 (12) “…the medical examiner.”

LSU Coach Ed Orgeron says some unprofessional acts occurred after the seven overtime loss to Texas A-and-M. Coach O spoke with the ESPN Radio show Off the Bench in Baton Rouge , New Orleans and Alexandria. Video shows a credentialed member of the Aggies staff shoving Kragthorpe during what should have been a postgame hand shake. Kragthorpe has Parkinson’s Disease and a pacemaker and Orgeron says that should not have happened.

Cut 3 (07) “…they will”

Early voting numbers for the Secretary of State’s election run-off set for December 8^this off to a rough start, with a huge drop off relative to the historic participation levels in the last mid-term. The race pits Republican Kyle Ardoin, Democrat Minister Gwen Collins-Greenup. JMC Analystics Pollster John Couvillon says party affiliation makes this race easy to call.

Cut 11 (11) “…the primary”

The Supreme Court sides with a St. Tammany landowner who argued a portion of his land was wrongfully deemed critical habitat for the dusky gopher frog, by forcing the lower courts to re-evaluate their previous decision. The landowner’s lawyer, Mark Miller says the decision is a win for citizens’ rights when challenging unjust federal decisions on both ends of the political spectrum, by allowing citizens to take their critical habitat cases up with lower courts.
Cut 8 (11) “…to challenge.”

The West Monroe Police Department have arrested a person of interest during the course of a suspicious death investigation.  31-year-old Shomari Clemons facing charges of mutilating, disinterring the human remains of his grandmother.  Sgt. CJ Beck says Clemons appears to have made cuts to one of the body’s arms.

Cut 12 (13)   “…under that statute.”