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”
A special legislative session is expected in February to address the state’s budget problems.

The imminent threat of flooding along the Mississippi and Red Rivers has led to Governor Bobby Jindal issuing a state of emergency. Flood warnings have been posted along those two rivers as it’s projected they’ll crest above flood stage in many areas next month. The Bonnet Carre Spillway in southeast Louisiana could be opened for the first time since 2011.

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 is facing several charges
cut 9 (10) “of impairment”
Banks served on the Independence Police Department for five months prior to his arrest.

The Assumption Parish Sheriff’s Office has charged a Labadieville teenager with negligent homicide in an accidental shooting death. Sheriff Mike Waguespak says 18-year-old Jamal Starks and several friends were playing with a handgun when it discharged, shooting 17-year-old Dronald Washington in the head. Waguespack says they originally investigated the incident as a self-inflicted shooting…
cut 6 (10) “next to him”
Bail for Starks has been set at $125,000.