According to Jay Dardenne, the budget architect for Governor-elect John Bel Edwards, Louisiana’s revenue shortfall for this fiscal year has grown to $750 million, while next year’s budget is a projected $1.9 billion short. He says the state’s fiscal outlook is more dire than they thought and hard work is needed to resolve it…

cut 13 (12) “year to year”

Edwards plans to call a special legislative session to address the state’s budget problems.

Louisianians will still be able to use their valid state driver’s licence to fly commercially Friday, even though the state has yet to to comply with the federal Real ID law. Many are confused that the identification requirement would kick in for Louisiana January 1st, but the state received a yearlong extension to comply with Real ID Act in October. Without that extension, Louisiana resident would have needed a passport to fly domestically in the new year.

An Independence Police Officer is now behind bars after he allegedly used his position to steal currency from non-English speaking Hispanic males during traffic stops. State Police spokesperson Dustin Dwight says 25-year-old Laquinton Banks was arrested on felony charges of theft, malfeasance in office, and a hate crime. Dwight urges any other victims out there to contact Louisiana State Police…

cut 11 (08) “any allegation”

He says the investigation is on-going.

One question following LSU’s 56-27 win over Texas Tech in the Texas Bowl is, will Kevin Steele return as LSU’s defensive coordinator in 2016? There are reports he may take the same job at Auburn. Coach Les Miles is impressed with what Steele did last night as LSU’s defense produced six sacks…

cut 5 (08) “certain things”

It’s also being reported that LSU is working to keep Steele in Baton Rouge.