During his monthly call-in radio show, Governor John Bel Edwards defends himself amid questions about whether he’s pushing higher taxes to solve the state’s budget problems. Edwards says while lawmakers raised $1.5 billion in taxes during last year’s sessions, they also cut $850 million from the state budget…:
CUT 7 (09) “to do it”
Edwards adds more cuts are coming and possibly another special session to resolve a looming $300 million shortfall.

Police in Shreveport arrest a 44-year-old man in the death of an 11-month old baby. They said it’s believed that Frederick Clark had been watching the child, Mar’sharrd Ross, for an extended period of time before it was discovered the baby was suffering complications that ultimately lead to his death. Clark is charged with second-degree murder and is being held on a million dollars bond.

Louisiana is the third most dangerous state for pedestrians, according to a report by Smart Growth America. Director of the National Complete Streets Coalition Emiko (EM-mee-koh) Atherton says state and local transportation officials can add features to certain roadways in order to improve pedestrian safety…:
Cut 25 (10) “the road”
Only Florida and Alabama beat Louisiana as the most dangerous states for pedestrians.

No longer at her post is the Director of the Louisiana State Police Commission. Officials say Cathy Derbonne resigned amid a controversy related to political contributions, according to reports. The matter is slated to be discussed with State Police during a meeting in Baton Rouge today. Derbonne has been at the helm of the Louisiana State Police Commission for nearly eight years.