Governor John Bel Edwards gave an update on negotiations with regards to the state’s $1 billion dollar fiscal cliff. He says he plans to unveil a proposal on January 19th that will be balanced and include cuts, but nobody will like the reductions they see…:
CUT 13 (10) “we have to fix the problem”
Edwards says he’ll also present a plan that will be revenue neutral, but lawmakers have to come together and negotiate an agreement.

A US District Judge nominee who was grilled and embarrassed by US Senator John Kennedy last week during basic questions of the law has withdrawn. Matthew Peterson, a President Trump nominee, became well known when a video of an exchange between he and Kennedy went viral. Kennedy says he had no idea that Peterson had no litigation experience for the post, and said that’s why the Senate holds hearings.

Today marks the start of the busiest week of the year for the US Postal Service. Spokeswoman Twana Barber says they are seeing about a ten percent increase in the volume of mail being sent this holiday season…:
Cut 5 (11) “be delivered”
She says today is their busiest day of the year.

Penn National Gaming has purchased Pinnacle Entertainment for 2.8 billion dollars. Pinnacle operates the L’auberge in Baton Rouge and Lake Charles, and Boomtown in New Orleans and Bossier City. Wade Duty of the Casino Association of Louisiana says that the buyout won’t lead to big changes for players…:
Cut 9 (07) “the players”
He does not anticipate Penn National Gaming expanding their new properties in Louisiana.