AM Newscall January 1

The bayou state will be experiencing freezing temperatures to ring in the new year. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Jeff Palermo.”

The Citrus Bowl pits LSU against Notre Dame.  Jeff Palermo has a look at what it will take to get a Tiger win…

Cut 2 (38) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

Many are turning to additional sources of heat with the extended cold snap.  State Fire Marshal Butch Browning says there has been an increase in fire fatalities in the state in the last couple of weeks.  He says homes that don’t have a working smoke alarm are at the greatest risk…

Cut 3 (10) “smoke alarm.”

Another danger is the use of space heaters and other appliances to keep your home warm.  Browning says under no circumstances should a kitchen stove be used…

Cut 4  (11) “do that.” 

He says an important aspect to fire safety is an exit plan if you are caught in a house fire.  Browning says make sure your family knows what to do in an emergency, especially if your normal exits are blocked…

Cut 5  (10)  “your bed.”

Unusually frigid temperatures will blanket the state this week. High temperatures will be in the 30s today and tomorrow. Donald Jones, with the National Weather Service, says it’ll also be a gusty start to the year making it feel even colder outside

Cut 6 (07)  “tuesday and wednesday”

Jones says those early week wind chills could be bone chilling…

Cut 7 (08)  “windchills.”

This time of year, temperatures are usually about 20 degrees higher. Jones Louisiana residents can expect below freezing temperatures every morning this week…

Cut 8 (06) “unusual.”

Governor John Bel Edwards believes Louisiana can continue the progress it made during 2017 in the areas of employment and criminal justice reform. The state’s unemployment rate has declined seven straight months and at 4.7 percent it’s the lowest been since 2008. Edwards says there will be more employment opportunities in 2018…

Cut 9 (08)  “been announced”

DXC Technology plans to hire 300 people in New Orleans this year. Graphic Packaging in West Monroe will continue its expansion of a paperboard manufacturing facility, while the Sasol chemical complex will come on-line later this year in Calcasieu Parish.

A big accomplishment in 2017 for Governor Edwards was the approval of a criminal justice reform package aimed at lowering the state’s prison population by reducing sentences for non-violent, non-sexual offenders. Edwards, who was invited to the White House to discuss the issue in November, says foresees a push in Congress this year.

Cut 10 (05) “that effort”

A big challenge for the governor in 2017 is the looming fiscal cliff, triggered by the expiration of a temporary one cent sales tax, which will create a one billion dollar gap in the budget. Edwards says he wants a solution that doesn’t include renewing that temporary penny sales tax.

Cut 11 (06) “of taxation”

Edwards proposes replacing the penny sales tax by taxing services that are current not taxed like Cable TV and he also supports changes with income tax brackets.

The 17th ranked LSU Tigers take on number 14 Notre Dame in the Citrus Bowl in Orlando today. Both teams are 9-3 with the Tigers riding a three-game winning streak.  Tiger Rag Associate Editor James Moran says LSU will face one of the best running games in college football, but Irish Quarterback Brandon Wimbush is inconsistent as a passer…

Cut 12 (13) “college football?”

Moran says that the LSU backfield will need to perform well against Notre Dame.  Derius Guice has missed several practices due to an ankle injury.  But with Guice expected at full health and Darrel Williams with nine touchdowns on the season, Moran says their chances are good against a team that allows 153 yards a game on the ground…

Cut 13 (11)  “Notre Dame.”

Winning the Citrus Bowl would give the Tigers a ten win season, the first since back to back ten win seasons in 2012 and 2013.  Moran says it would make the 2017 season a success…

Cut 14 (07) “sucessfull overall.”

The Vegas Line places the Tigers as a field goal favorite over Notre Dame.  Kickoff is at noon on ABC.