2016 was a tough year for Louisiana’s economy due to a struggling oil and gas industry, and LSU economist Dr. Loren Scott doesn’t expect much to change next year. But he says companies that produce natural gas are doing well which is why the Baton Rouge and Lake Charles areas could see more job growth in 2017…:
CUT 11 (09) “existing plants”
He says oil prices need to rebound before job increases will be seen.

East Baton Rouge Parish Sid Gautreaux is reflecting back on the trying year for law enforcement. He says the worst day of his career came on July 17th when three cops were killed in an ambush, and three others injured..:
CUT 5 (09) “the last”
But he says he’s proud of the way the community came together in the aftermath of the shootings, and how officers handled the situation.

The baby that was born in a New Roads Wal-Mart then placed in a trash can will be in foster care until an adoptive family can be found. That’s according to Department of Children and Family Services Secretary Marketa (Mar-kee-tah) Garner Walters. She says aside from being fragile medically, baby Oliva is doing well…:
CUT 14 (08) “we need”
Walters said she does not know how long it will take for her department to assess all options for Baby Olivia’s future custody.

A cold front is sweeping through the state and forecasters say temperatures today are slated to be much lower than the first half of the week. It’s breezy too and wind advisories are posted in southwest Louisiana and throughout Acadiana until 4 this afternoon.

Here in heart of the busiest holiday travel season in AAA’s recording keeping history, gas prices are climbing. The current statewide average for a gallon of regular is up to $2.12, a near nickle increase from the prior week.