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…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”  

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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.

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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…

Cut 4 (06) “      compromise is” 

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…

Cut 6 (08) “unanimous juries”

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…

Cut 7 (15) “…back there.”

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…

Cut 8 (05) “…a killer.”

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…

Cut 9 (10) “…big family.″

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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,,,

Cut 10 (06)   “from us.”

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…

Cut 11 (09) “…alcohol.”

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

Cut 16 (12)  ready to play”

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…

 cut 17 (09)    disappointing” 

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…

Cut 18 (15)    winning though” 

Unemployment is down from last year, and state Economic Development Secretary Don Pierson credits more foreign investment and tech jobs…

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A new world record was set in Shreveport for the largest gumbo ever cooked, all in celebration of the Walk-On’s Independence Bowl.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

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The Economic Development Department says 2018 was a strong year for new business taking root in the state and the agency celebrates a year-to-year drop in unemployment rate. The year was headlined by major announcements from foreign firms, and Secretary Don Pierson says capital is flowing in from around the world.

Cut 3 (09) “…dollars.”

The highlight of 2017 was DXC Technology’s announcement of 2,000 high paying tech jobs in New Orleans. Pierson says 2018 was another year of substantial gains in the tech and software sectors.

Cut 4 (12) “…grow″

But, the state’s median household income still lags 14,000 dollars a year behind the national average. Pierson says they will keep emphasizing growth in high skill sectors that provide higher wages and make sure workers get the necessary training.

Cut 5 (11) “…they need.”

More information on workforce training programs, visit laworks.net.

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Parts of the state are recovering from a nasty night of weather as several inches of rain piled up. Those rains have authorities in St. Tammany Parish keeping an eye on a few rivers in the Covington area, which could affect residents in low lying areas. St. Tammany Emergency Management Director Dexter Accardo.

Cut 6 (12) “…and all”

Accardo says because the storm hit late at night, it was tough to get an idea of exactly how much flooding they had. Then, when folks woke up, the reports started rolling in.

Cut 7 (07) “…the street”

Accardo says they’re watching the river stage for three rivers. He says they are expected to crest in different areas between this afternoon and Sunday morning. He says of particular concern are the Tchefuncte and Bogue Falaya Rivers.

Cut 8 (09) “…area”

St. Tammany officials have asked residents in low-lying areas near the Tchefuncte River to consider a voluntary evacuation.

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LSU sophomore running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire is with the Tigers in Arizona one week after he and walk-on linebacker Jared Small were involved in a fatal shooting in Baton Rouge. Authorities have ruled the shooting justified and Coach Ed Orgeron gave his comments on the situation

Cut 9 (11) “…totally.″

Defensive back Kary Vincent Junior is also with the team, despite the death of his father, Kary Vincent Senior, who died at the age of 49 after a months-long battle with pneumonia. Orgeron says the team is getting through these tough times, because of good character…

Cut 10 (11) “…very well”

LSU is missing several players on defense. Greedy Williams and Ed Alexander are skipping the bowl game to get ready for the NFL draft. Defensive lineman Breiden Fehoko is injured and cornerback Kelvin Joseph is suspended. So the Tigers might have to rely heavily on their offense to beat U-C-F. Orgeron says they put in a few new wrinkles on offense

Cut 11 (11) “…run game.”

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