LRN AM Newscall January 4 2016

Many are wondering if lawmakers can make up the state’s budget shortfall without raising taxes. Eric Gill reports…

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 Many people set New Year’s resolutions to live a healthier lifestyle in 2016. Emelie Gunn spoke with a doctor who has some tips to keep them….

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We’re a week away from the swearing-in of Democrat John Bel Edwards as the state’s next governor. Jeff Palermo has the story…

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It was announced last week that Louisiana is facing a $750 million deficit this fiscal year and another $1.9 billion next fiscal year. Many wonder if lawmakers can make up this shortfall without raising taxes. Council for a Better Louisiana President Barry Erwin doesn’t think so, but he says legislators will look at other alternatives first…

cut 4  (11)  “things like that”

He says it seems almost inevitable that the legislature will have to raise some new revenues. Erwin says an increase in the state sales tax is one possible area lawmakers may target…

Cut 5  (08)  “in some way”

He says lawmakers have a lot of options when it comes to raising revenues, like raising income, gasoline, and “sin” taxes. Erwin says the legislature should take a broad-based approach in finding a permanent solution to the budget problems…

Cut 6 (08)  “a little bit” 4X

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The Corps of Engineers is scheduled to begin emergency operations on the Mississippi River as river levels are expected to crest later this month at a historically high level for the winter months at Vicksburg and Natchez. Fifth Louisiana Levee District President Reynold Minsky says relief wells were installed, which should reduce flooding…

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The Mississippi River reached an all-time high water level in 2011 and Minsky says they learned a lot from that event, which is helping them this time around…

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Minsky says hesco baskets, which are filled with sand that serve as temporary levees will be used again to protect businesses in downtown Vidalia

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A lot of people are making New Year’s resolutions to live a healthier lifestyle in 2016 but that’s often easier said than done. LSU Health New Orleans Clinical Psychologist Dr. Michelle Moore has some tips for those to stay on task during the New Year. She says your resolutions should be something that carry on throughout all of 2016, not just the start of the year.

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Moore says many people have good intentions to live a better lifestyle at the start of the New Year but often fall off by the end of January. She says giving yourself a plan and building on it every month will help you to keep up with your resolution.

cut 11 (10) “the diet”

Moore says not to make dramatic resolutions right off the bat because they are hard to keep. She says make sure you shoot for an obtainable goal.

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One week from today, Democrat John Bel Edwards will be sworn in as the state’s next governor. Since the election, Edwards has been appointing officials to serve in his administration. The governor-elect’s deputy chief of staff, Julie Baxter Payer, says they’re hearing good feedback about the team Edwards is building

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Payer says the new administration plans to keep an open dialogue with the public when it comes to the harsh realities the state faces with its budget situation…

Cut 14 (08) “for Louisiana”

Incoming Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne has pegged the shortfall for this fiscal year at 750-million dollars and one-point-nine billion dollars next fiscal year. Payer says they seek the public’s help in solving these budget issues…

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In what might have been the final game of the Sean Payton era, the Saints defeated the Falcons 20-17 as Kai Forbath drilled a 30-yard field goal with no time left for the winning points. Payton says it was a gutsy win for his banged-up team…

Cut 16  (16)  “entire career”

The win gives the Saints a 7-9 record for the 2015 season and they end the year on a two-game winning streak. Payton is happy with how his squad finished the year

Cut 17 (12) “that was important”

But will Payton be around for the 2016 season. ESPN is reporting they will allow Payton to explore his options, as he is under contract with the Saints next season. So if he would coach somewhere else, the Saints would have to trade him. Payton didn’t want to talk about his future after the Falcons game…

Cut 18 (14) “be more clear”

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