A judge has thrown out Governor John Bel Edward’s executive order aimed at protecting the rights of LGBT people in government, and the story is making national headlines. The judge agreed with Attorney General Jeff Landry in a suit stating that the order was outside of what the governor was allowed to do under the constitution. Edwards says they plan to appeal.

LSU President F. King Alexander went before the House Appropriations Committee and expressed his concerns over the school’s possible 16th budget cut in nine years. Alexander says they can’t be much more efficient when LSU is already 46 out of 50 flagship universities in per student spending. He says at some point the state needs to invest in the next generation of students…:
cut 12 (11) “they have”
The state’s budget problems have forced TOPS students in the upcoming semester to pay over 50-percent of their tuition.

The National Federation for Independent Business says small business optimism is through the roof since last month’s election. Emelie Gunn has more…:
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The tables turned on a robbery suspect in Shreveport when a 71-year-old shop owner took matters into his own hands. Cpl. Marcus Hines with Shreveport Police says 36-year-old Michael Kelly allegedly stole the victim’s wallet at the store then attacked him…:
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Following his release from the hospital, Kelly will be booked into jail on many charges.

Governor John Bel Edwards Executive Order which contains certain protections for members of the LGBT community contracting for state work has been ruled unconstitutional. It’s a victory for Attorney General Jeff Landry who sued because he felt the order was overreach. The ruling said the governor cannot act outside the scope of his authority with executive orders. Governor Edwards says they plan to appeal.

More people outside the country are visiting Louisiana than ever and Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser expects that growth to continue. His office is now promoting 17 scenic byways to encourage international travelers to see more of The Bayou State than just the big cities…:
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He says last year Louisiana was second for growth in international travel.

The search for a new offensive coordinator at LSU is over. The Tigers are slated to announce Matt Canada out of Pitt as the new man for the job at this hour. Under Canada, the 2016 Panther offense scored 76 points in a win over Syracuse to cap the regular season and Pitt also beat Big 10 champion Penn State. Tiger Rag Associate Editor James Moran says this is a good hire…:
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Canada’s deal is pending approval from the LSU Board of Supervisors.

Gas prices continue their steady rise as we head into the holidays. The current statewide average is $2.06 up over 6 cents from this time last month.

The number of international visitors has grown in Louisiana, but Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser doesn’t just want these travelers to visit New Orleans. Nungesser says there are direct flights into New Orleans from London, Germany, and Honduras, but he wants to see these tourists get out to the rest of the state.

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Nungesser says there are 17 scenic byways across Louisiana covering 2,400 miles.

State Police reminds the public to heed warnings at railroad crossings after two people were killed in a train crash near Hammond. Trooper Dustin Dwight says there’s no way to know how fast a train is travelling, so it’s never safe to risk racing the train.

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LSU Head Coach Ed Orgeron has hired former Pittsburgh Offensive Coordinator Matt Canada to be the Tigers new O.C. Tiger Rag Associate Editor James Moran says once it was obvious Alabama’s Lane Kiffin was seeking a head coaching job, Canada was the best choice.

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Moran says Canada has never had the kind of offensive talent he’ll have at LSU.

Small business optimism is through the roof since the election of president-elect Donald Trump, according to the National Federation of Independent Business’ monthly Index of Small Business Optimism. State Director Dawn Starns says many business owners now have a renewed since of hope that they can grow their companies. She says optimism is soaring in many categories.

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The National Federation for Independent Business says small business owners have been much happier since the election. Emelie Gunn has more…:
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Health officials say it’s still important to protect yourself from mosquitoes, even in the winter as Zika is still a real threat. Dr. James Diaz with LSU Health New Orleans says using mosquito repellent with DEET is best…:
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He says the eggs of mosquitoes carrying Zika can survive even when it’s cold.

President-elect Donald Trump has chosen former-Texas Governor Rick Perry as the Secretary for the Department of Energy. So what does that mean for Louisiana’s oil and gas industry? Louisiana Oil and Gas Association acting president wants to see costly regulations loosened up…:
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He says at this point they are cautiously optimistic about the Trump Administration.

State Police say two Tickfaw residents were killed in a train crash as the driver was attempting to go around cross arms with flashing red lights. They say 23-year-old Colton Williams approached the crossing and ran directly into the path of an Amtrack passenger train in Natalbany, causing his vehicle to be pushed about 125 yards. Williams and his passenger, 23-year-old Justin Long were killed on scene. None of the 68 passengers on the train were injured.

Even during this time of year, the Zika virus is still a threat. Don Molino has more…:
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LSU confirms Matt Canada will be the new offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach for the Tigers. Canada was the offensive coordinator at Pitt last season, where he averaged 42 points per game. He will try to bring that same kind of fire power to the Coach O’s Tigers next season. He will be officially introduced at 1:30 this afternoon.

Louisiana Oil and Gas Association acting president Gifford Briggs says he’s hopeful President-elect Donald Trump’s cabinet choices will help the struggling industry in Louisana. He says at this point they are cautiously optimistic…:
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Mr. Trump chose former-Texas Governor Rick Perry as the Secretary for the Department of Energy, Scott Pruitt to run the EPA and Exxon CEO Rex Tillerson as future Secretary of State.

Louisiana has three cities that are named in the top 20 most sinful in the nation, according to Wallet Hub. Baton Rouge is number 8, New Orleans #10 and Shreveport number 20. Wallet Hub Spokesperson Jill Gonzales
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The report found that New Orleans came in second for excessive drinking, while Baton Rouge came in 12.

Former-Texas Governor Rick Perry is President-elect Donald Trump’s choice for Energy Secretary. Halen Doughty has more on what that means for Louisiana’s oil and gas industry…:
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Small business optimism has skyrocketed since the election of Donald Trump, according the National Federation of Independent Business. NFIB state director Dawn Starns says business owners are now excited about the future:
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The Transportation Task Force approved recommendations to send to the Governor on Tuesday that includes a plan to raise $700 million dollars per year to repair the state’s roads and bridges. Governor John Bel Edwards will now the new revenue should be raised during the 2017 legislative session.

There was less progress down the hall at the State Capitol on Tuesday as the state’s budget estimating group decided to hold off one month on finding out what type of deficit Louisiana faces in the financial year that ends June 30th. Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne called the delay irresponsible saying the time is now to acknowledge a harsh reality that Louisiana’s budget picture is dismal.

Louisiana is home to three of the most sinful cities in the country, according to WalletHub. Baton Rouge came in at number 8 on the list, New Orleans is number 10, and Shreveport cracked the top 20. Jill Gonzales with WalletHub says they looked at a variety of metrics to determine which cities were the most sinful…:
CUT 7 (10) “per capita”

The Zika virus is still a threat even this time of year. Dr. James Diaz with LSU Health New Orleans says in Louisiana the temperatures fluctuate during the winter and the eggs of the mosquitoes carrying Zika can survive even when it’s cold outside…:
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He says while most Zika cases are travel related, local transmission is the biggest scare.

State Police say two Tickfaw residents were killed in a train crash as the driver was attempting to go around cross arms with flashing red lights. They say 23-year-old Colton Williams approached the crossing and ran directly into the path of an Amtrack passenger train in Natalbany, causing his vehicle to be pushed about 125 yards. The Williams and his passenger, 23-year-old Justin Long were killed on scene. None of the 68 passengers on the train were injured.

President-elect Donald Trump has chosen former-Texas Governor Rick Perry as the Secretary for the Department of Energy. So what does that mean for Louisiana’s oil and gas industry?…:
Cut 13 (13) “those barriers”
That’s acting president of the Louisiana Oil and Gas Association, Gifford Briggs.

The lawyer of the father accused of causing the death of his 4-year-old son while the two were “play fighting” says his client is innocent. 25-year-old Kristopher Carter was charged with negligent homicide, but his counsel says once they present their side of the story to the DA he’s confident the father will be cleared of the accusations.