The Louisiana Association of United Ways estimates that in 2016 48-percent of Louisiana households could not afford basic needs an increase from 42-percent in 2014. Louisiana Budget Project Director Jan Moller says many of these families have working adults…
cut 6 (07) “…necessities”
The Parishes with the highest percentage of what is known as ALICE households are clustered in the 5th Congressional District.

Congressman Garret Graves says legal action is coming to force the federal government to make available Louisiana RESTORE grant dollars to families who also received S-B-A loans after the 2016 floods. Graves says the agencies had 45 days to write policy for the money to be distributed, but departments, like HUD, have ignored the Congressional mandate approved in October.
Cut 10 (09) “…follow the law.”
There’s likely to be no movement on this issue during the government shutdown.

South Louisiana Methanol announces plans to pursue a $2.2 billion dollar methanol complex in St. James Parish…
Voicer 3 (30) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

New details have emerged on the duck hunting accident in Mississippi that resulted in the amputation of former LSU offensive lineman Matt Branch’s leg. The Clarion Ledger reports Branch left his loaded shotgun in the bed of his pickup truck and a dog jumped onto the truck bed, accidentally pulling the trigger. Branch was shot in the left thigh and is expected to recover. He played for the Tigers from 2008 to 2011.

President Donald Trump made his case last night for Congress to fund a US-Mexico border wall that he says is needed to address a growing humanitarian and security crisis at the southern border. Louisiana Congressman Steve Scalise blames Democrats for failing to negotiate on this issue…
cut 30 (06) “….counter offer”
Democrats, like Louisiana’s Cedric Richmond, point out that the President promised that Mexico would pay for the wall.

US Representative Garret Graves of Baton Rouge says he supports pending litigation that would force federal agencies to follow a law approved by Congress that would allow 2016 flood victims who received an SBA loan to also receive federal grant money through the Louisiana Restore program…
cut 12 (10) “….entire process”
Graves has urged state officials to go ahead pay the six-thousand families waiting on the money, but there is a risk that the federal government could one day ask for the money back.

A United Way Report shows 48 percent of Louisiana households do not make enough money to reliably meet their basic expenses…
Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle.”

BP has announced plans to go forward with a one-point-three billion dollar expansion in production in the Gulf of Mexico after seismic imaging discovered an additional one-point-four billion barrels of oil under the sea.

A United Way Report shows 48 percent of Louisiana households do not make enough money to reliably meet their basic expenses…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle.”

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A Baton Rouge Congressman supports pending legal action against federal agencies who are refusing to administer 2016 flood grant money to SBA loan recipients, despite a law passed in October…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”  

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South Louisiana Methanol has announced its plans to pursue a $2.2 billion project is coming to St. James Parish.  Kevin Barnhart has more.

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

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The United Way ALICE report shows in 2016, 48 percent of all households in the state did not make enough to meet their basic needs, up six percent from 2014. Louisiana United Way President Sarah Berthelot says 29 percent make above the poverty level, but still not enough to reliably pay the bills.

Cut 4 (09) “…smartphone.” 

Those “survival budget” minimum expenses only allow for 5.50 a day in food expenses, and 517 a month in rent. The minimum generally increases in urban areas.

The report shows a single adult needs to make 19,548 dollars a year to pay the bills, and the average family needs 54,000. Lead researcher Stephanie Hoopes says with 66 percent of all jobs paying under 20 dollars an hour, it’s clear this economy the recent economic growth isn’t benefiting most workers.

Cut 5 (10) “…necesities.”

Those requirements break down to a full time, single worker needing 9.77 an hour, and two working parents combining for 27 dollars an hour.

The report warns that pervasively low wages put nearly half of workers one financial surprise away from disaster. 400,000 Louisiana jobs pay below 10 dollars an hour, and Louisiana Budget Project Director Jan Moller says it’s clear nearly half of workers work too hard to be stuck in such a precarious position.

Cut 6 (07) “…necessities.”

The Parishes with the highest percentage of ALICE households are clustered in the 5^th Congressional District, specifically the Delta Parishes. East Carrol leads the state at 75 percent.

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South Louisiana Methanol has announced its plans to pursue a $2.2 billion project is coming to St. James Parish.  Preliminary work began last year at a 1500 acre Mississippi River site.  Construction could begin later this year.  Economic Development Secretary Don Pierson says access to the river make the location desirable.

Cut 7 (10) “…in our state.”

Pierson says the initially there will be thousands of construction jobs that go into the project, followed by 75 new direct jobs.

Cut 8 (11) “…projects come online.”

Pierson says the competition is fierce when it comes to winning projects like this over states like Texas and other locations, and that the state does invest money into making the location suitable for the project.

Cut 9 (07) “…bulkhead infrastructure improvements.″

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Congressman Garret Graves supports pending legal action against several federal agencies for refusing to distribute RESTORE funds to families who fall into the “duplication of benefits” loophole after the 2016 floods. Graves says the agencies had 45 days to write policy for the money to be distributed, but departments, like HUD, have ignored the Congressional mandate passed in October.

Cut 10 (09)   “…follow the law.”

Flood victims who received Small Business Administration loans after the 2016 floods were not eligible to receive RESTORE grants for flood damage. But in October, Congress approved legislation to allow it.

Legal challenges can sometimes take ages to come to a conclusion, so Graves says they’ve consulted legal experts, and found a way to get a much faster resolution.

Cut 11 (10) “…through the court.”

The suit could potentially free up almost a quarter billion dollars in grants for 2016 flood victims.

Graves puts the blame on a group that’s opposed the regulatory change from the beginning, because he says they erroneously fear it would result in flood victims getting paid by both the SBA and HUD.

Cut 12 (10)   “…entire process.”

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USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue spoke with the press in an effort to answer questions of how the food stamps program will be impacted by the government shutdown.  In an effort to extinguish as much confusion and anxiety as possible, Perdue says soon the department will be reaching out to states to instruct them to request early issuance of February SNAP benefits.

Cut 13 (11) “…at that time.”

Perdue says SNAP benefits should be okay through March, which he says he’s hopeful should give ample time to resolve the issues with the government shutdown.

Cut 14 (11) “…able to sign.”

Perdue says the motto at the USDA is to “Do Right and Feed Everyone” and he believes this is the best plan of action during the government shutdown.

Cut 15 (08) “…do right part.”

The Philadelphia Eagles are looking to redeem themselves after a blowout 48-7 loss to the Saints earlier this season, when the two teams meet Sunday in the divisional round of the NFC playoffs. Eagles Head Coach Doug Pederson says their initial loss to the Saints was embarrassing, but the team’s progress is clear if you look at the win in Chicago…

Cut 16 (15)  “…yesterday”

Though the Black and Gold have been on a tear all season the final game of the season saw them fall to NFC South rival Carolina Panthers 33-14. But with the loss Eagles Defensive Coordinator Jim Schwartz is not underestimating the Saints saying to keep an advantage against MVP candidate Drew Brees he will have to pick and choose his battles with the defense…

 cut 17 (20)   “…one thing” 

The Bears have one of the fiercest defensive lines in the league and Eagles Offensive Coordinator Mike Groh says after putting Chicago to bed he feels prepared to protect against Black and Gold powerhouses like Cam Jordan…

Cut 18 (19)   “…make it” 

Kickoff is Sunday at 3:40 PM.

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Cut 19 (20)   “…halfcourt”

Cut 20 (18) “…every day”

President Trump addresses the nation tonight to lay out his case for increased funding for border security in the midst of a government shutdown a dispute about border wall funding. Republican Congressman Garret Graves says additional border security is necessary due to the presence of Central American cartels on the Mexican side that he says are responsible for the vast majority of opioids in America, and other criminal activity.

Cut 7 (07) “occurring”

The dispute has centered on the President’s demand for 5.7 billion in additional border wall construction.

The President says building the wall would make America safer, but Democratic New Orleans Congressman Cedric Richmond says those claims just aren’t true, and utilizing modern methods, like those called for by the Department of Homeland Security, would be a better border plan.

Cut 9 (09) “…technology″

Graves agreed that a border security plan should also lean on modern technology over thousands of miles of wall.

According to his re-election campaign, Gov. John Bel Edwards raised $3.8 million in 2018 and enters 2019 with $8.3 million in the bank for the race. A report from the campaign indicates that 87% of the money came from in-state donors. UL Lafayette Poli Sci Professor Pearson Cross says Edwards will remain active on the campaign fundraising trail.

Cut 5 (08) “…for this race.”

One of Edwards’ announced challengers, Eddie Rispone’s gubernatorial campaign says the Baton Rouge Republican has 5.5 million dollars in his campaign account. No word yet from the other Republican challenger Ralph Abraham.

A candlelight vigil was held yesterday at Marksville High School as the Avoyelles Parish community came together to mourn those affected by the deadly wreck in Florida that claimed the lives of five children last week. Edwards spoke about the wreck at the Baton Rouge Press Club yesterday.

Cut 12 (12)   “…community in Marksville.” 

President Trump will address the nation at 8PM to lay out his case for increased funding for border security in the midst of a government shutdown over the President’s demand for 5.7 billion in funding for a physical border wall. Republican Congressman Garret Graves says we do not need another Great Wall, but additional physical structures would decrease illegal border crossings.

Cut 6 (11) “…of miles”

Democratic New Orleans Congressman Cedric Richmond says with illegal immigration at decades long low, the wall would be a waste of money.

After rising through the ranks for 28 years in the New Orleans Police Department, Superintendent Michael Harrison is leaving for Baltimore to take the reins as its Police Commissioner. Political analyst Clancy Dubos says replacing him will be a major priority for Mayor Cantrell in the coming weeks.

Cut 15 (07) “…chief Harrison”

2018 was a significant year in fundraising for the re-election campaign of Governor John Bel Edwards, raising $3.8 million, bringing his total campaign account to over $8.3 million.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

Tangipahoa Sherriff Daniel Edwards has increased the reward for information related to a December 23^rd double murder that claimed the lives of a mother and son in their Independence Home. The office is now offering 10,000 dollars, and Crime Stoppers have increased their offering to 2,500 dollars. The Sheriff is asking anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers, and your identity will be concealed.

President Trump speaks to the nation tonight about border security. Matt Doyle has reaction from a Republican and a Democrat.

Cut 2 (30) “Im Matt Doyle”  

The Monroe Police are investigating the death of a United States Postal worker that was electrocuted this afternoon.  The incident happened outside of the Shannon Street Post Office in Monroe.   According to investigators, 47-year-old Paul Wesley Gammill was electrocuted while changing a lightbulb in a light pole.

A candlelight vigil was held yesterday at Marksville High School as the Avoyelles Parish community came together to mourn those affected by the deadly wreck in Florida that claimed the lives of five children last week.  Avoyelles House of Mercy Pastor Eric Descant called into the gathering from Florida to address those in attendance.

Cut 10 (11) “…and compassionate people.”

According to his re-election campaign, Gov. John Bel Edwards raised $3.8 million in 2018 and enters 2019 with $8.3 million in the bank for the race. UL Lafayette Poli Sci Professor Pearson Cross says this indicates that any challengers who can’t raise about ten million dollars will not be competitive in the race.

Cut 4 (12) “…the governor has.″

President Trump will address the nation at 8PM to lay out his case for increased funding for border security in the midst of a government shutdown over the President’s demand for 5.7 billion in funding for a physical border wall. Republican Congressman Garret Graves says additional border security is necessary due to the presence of Central American cartels on the Mexican side that he says are responsible for the vast majority of opioids in America, and other criminal activity.

Cut 7 (07) “occurring”

But Democrats refuse to pass a spending bill that includes border wall funding, calling it wasteful and unnecessary. Democratic New Orleans Congressman Cedric Richmond says the House will not force taxpayers to waste their money on the President’s campaign slogan.

Cut 8 (10) “…of money.”

Richmond says those funds should go towards social programs like paid maternity leave.

According to his re-election campaign, Gov. John Bel Edwards raised $3.8 million in 2018 and enters 2019 with $8.3 million in the bank for the race. UL Lafayette Poli Sci Professor Pearson Cross says that’s a significant number for the Governor.

Cut 3 (10) “…get him re-elected.”

A report from the campaign indicates that 87% of the money came from in-state donors.

After rising through the ranks for 28 years in the New Orleans Police Department, Superintendent Michael Harrison is leaving for Baltimore to take the reins as its Police Commissioner. Political analyst Clancy Dubos says because of Harrison’s many years of service with the N-O-P-D, he had the backing of rank-and-file officers and city leaders…

Cut 14 (12) “… with it”

New Orleans only recorded 146 murders in 2018, the lowest  since 1971.

President Donald Trump will make his case for a U-S Mexico border wall with a speech from the Oval Office tonight. The President says building the wall would make America safer, but New Orleans Congressman Cedric Richmond says utilizing modern methods, like those called for by the US Department of Homeland Security, would be a better border plan.
Cut 9 (09) “…technology″

After rising through the ranks for 28 years in the New Orleans Police Department, Superintendent Michael Harrison is leaving for Baltimore to take the reins as its Police Commissioner. New Orleans only recorded 146 murders in 2018, the lowest number of murders since 1971. Political analyst Clancy Dubos says Harrison’s departure is a loss for the city but…
Cut 13 (06) “…job”
New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell says plans to announce a replacement soon.

Governor John Bel Edwards re-election campaign announces it has 8-point-three million dollars in the bank after raising three-point-eight million dollars during 2018. The campaign says 87-percent of the money came from in-state donors. UL Lafayette Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says Edwards will remain hot on the campaign fundraising trail…
cut 5 (08) “…for this race”
One of Edwards’ announced challengers, Eddie Rispone’s gubernatorial campaign says the Baton Rouge Republican has 5.5 million dollars in his campaign account. No word yet from the other Republican challenger Ralph Abraham.

Meanwhile, Governor Edwards is asking Louisiana residents to support the Marksville families who lost five children in a fiery crash in north Florida last week…
cut 12 (12) “…Marksville”
Funeral arrangements for the children are pending.