It was another interesting year in state politics. Matt Doyle looks back at 2018…
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The Fire Marshal’s Office has some advice for New Year’s Eve amateur pyro technicians…
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The Alllstate Sugar Bowl Fan Fest in New Orleans will once again be part of “Dick Clark’s Rockin’ New Year’s Eve” on ABC as the nation ushers in 2019. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
Cut 3 (32) “I’m Kevin Barnhart.”
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Today is the final day of 2018, so let’s take a look at the biggest stories of the year in Louisiana. The first half of the year was all budget talk as the state began January facing another massive budget shortfall. It took three special sessions, but Governor John Bel Edwards was pleased with the final budget deal…
The sales tax plan approved in June fully funded the TOPS scholarship program, public colleges, and health care. But many Republicans were not happy about a state sales tax rate of 4.45 percent. Slidell Senator Sharon Hewitt says it’s needed to pay for the governor’s bloated Medicaid expansion program
Cut 5 (11) “…important priorities.”
There was one piece of legislation lawmakers and the public overwhelmingly supported and that was a constitutional amendment that said in order to convict a person of a serious felony crime, the jury’s verdict had to be unanimous. New Orleans Senator JP Morrell argued the standard of needing only 10 of 12 jurors to secure a conviction is not what our founders envisioned…
In May, Secretary of State Tom Schedler resigned amid sexual harassment allegations. His former secretary, Dawn Ross, spoke with LRN, and said she was the victim of sexually suggestive charged emails, gifts and advances since 2007. Ross says Schedler also stalked her and bought a town home in her complex…
A big story from 2016 continued into 2018, when Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry announced the state would not pursue criminal charges against two white Baton Rouge Police officers who were involved in the fatal shooting of Alton Sterling, who was black. Sterling’s relatives are still seeking justice against officers Howie Lake and Blane Salamoni…
Louisiana lost a couple of legendary figures in 2018. LSU’s only Heisman trophy winner Billy Cannon passed away in May at the age of 80. And Saints and Pelicans owner Tom Benson died in March. He was 90. Benson’s wife, Gayle, has taken over the two professional sports franchises and plans to keep the teams in new Orleans…
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The state fire marshal’s office wants everyone to have a fun New Year, but make sure you buy, and set off fireworks in a legal, and safe way. For starters, before you slap down the cash for a bag of explosives, state fire marshal spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says make sure the retailer is licensed to sell fireworks,,,
Also, make sure it’s legal to buy fireworks in that area.
When you get home, before you set off those devices, have a bucket of water nearby to dose expended explosives, and set them up to only fire one at a time. Before lighting up…
Adults should always supervise children when fireworks are in play, and not allow kids to ignite, or hold the devices.
And just in case you’re wondering, leave the gun, take the candle instead.
Cut 12 (07) “…entertain people”
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New Orleans will be part of “Dick Clark’s Rockin’ New Year’s Eve” being broadcast on ABC tonight. Tonight will feature performances by country artists Maren Morris and Grammy-nominated Florida Georgia Line as part of the live telecast. Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser says it’s great exposure for the Big Easy.
Cut 13 (08) “…vacation next year.”
In 2018, Florida Georgia Line broke every record from the Billboard Hot Country Songs charts when they spent 50 weeks at the top spot with the song “Meant to Be,” Nungesser says after the clock strikes midnight in the eastern time zone, it’s all focused on the performances in New Orleans.
Cut 14 (07) “…to New Orleans.”
With the value that comes with the publicity, Nungesser says the state could never afford to pay for the level of coverage they will receive on national TV tonight.
Cut 15 (11) “…watched the Grammys.”
For those interested in attending the Allstate Fan Fest, it’s free and gates for all the activities open at noon at the Jax Brewery parking lot.
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With no Drew Brees, the Saints stumbled in the regular season finale, falling to the Carolina Panthers 33-14. The loss doesn’t hurt the Black and Gold as they already have the number one seed in the NFC. But Coach Sean Payton didn’t like what he saw on Sunday
Carolina led 23-0 at halftime. First time in the Payton era, the Saints were shutout in the first half at home. Undrafted rookie quarterback Kyle Allen threw for 228 yards and two touchdowns, before leaving in the fourth quarter with an injury. Payton was disappointed with his defense…
In the fourth quarter wide receiver Michael Thomas caught a six-yard pass to break Joe Horn’s single-season franchise record for receiving yards. Payton says it was nice to see, but it’s overshadowed by the loss…