The United Way ALICE report shows in 2016, 48 percent of all households in the state did not make enough to meet their basic needs, up six percent from 2014. The report shows a single adult needs to make 19,548 dollars a year to pay the bills, and the average family needs 54,000.  Lead researcher Stephanie Hoopes says with 66 percent of all jobs paying under 20 dollars an hour, it’s clear in this economy the recent economic growth isn’t benefiting most workers.

Cut 5 (10) “…necesities.”

Those requirements break down to a full time, single worker needing 9.77 an hour, and two working parents combining for 27 dollars an hour.

South Louisiana Methanol announces plans to pursue a $2.2 billion dollar project in St. James Parish, and construction could begin later this year.  Economic Development Secretary Don Pierson says access to the river make the location desirable.

Cut 7 (10) “…in our state.”

Congressman Garret Graves supports pending legal action against several federal agencies for refusing to distribute RESTORE funds to families who fall into the “duplication of benefits” loophole after the 2016 floods, but legal challenges can sometimes take ages to come to a conclusion, so Graves says they’ve consulted legal experts, and found a way to get a much faster resolution.

Cut 11 (10) “…through the court.”

The suit could potentially free up almost a quarter billion dollars in grants for 2016 flood victims.

USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue says despite the government shutdown, the SNAP program will be fine, atleast through March. Perdue says the motto at the USDA is to “Do Right and Feed Everyone” and he believes this is the best plan of action during the shutdown.

Cut 15 (08) “…do right part.”

Perdue says soon the department will be reaching out to states to instruct them to request early issuance of February SNAP benefits.

A United Way Report shows 48 percent of Louisiana households do not make enough money to reliably meet their basic expenses…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle.”

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A Baton Rouge Congressman supports pending legal action against federal agencies who are refusing to administer 2016 flood grant money to SBA loan recipients, despite a law passed in October…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”  

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South Louisiana Methanol has announced its plans to pursue a $2.2 billion project is coming to St. James Parish.  Kevin Barnhart has more.

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

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The United Way ALICE report shows in 2016, 48 percent of all households in the state did not make enough to meet their basic needs, up six percent from 2014. Louisiana United Way President Sarah Berthelot says 29 percent make above the poverty level, but still not enough to reliably pay the bills.

Cut 4 (09) “…smartphone.” 

Those “survival budget” minimum expenses only allow for 5.50 a day in food expenses, and 517 a month in rent. The minimum generally increases in urban areas.

The report shows a single adult needs to make 19,548 dollars a year to pay the bills, and the average family needs 54,000. Lead researcher Stephanie Hoopes says with 66 percent of all jobs paying under 20 dollars an hour, it’s clear this economy the recent economic growth isn’t benefiting most workers.

Cut 5 (10) “…necesities.”

Those requirements break down to a full time, single worker needing 9.77 an hour, and two working parents combining for 27 dollars an hour.

The report warns that pervasively low wages put nearly half of workers one financial surprise away from disaster. 400,000 Louisiana jobs pay below 10 dollars an hour, and Louisiana Budget Project Director Jan Moller says it’s clear nearly half of workers work too hard to be stuck in such a precarious position.

Cut 6 (07) “…necessities.”

The Parishes with the highest percentage of ALICE households are clustered in the 5^th Congressional District, specifically the Delta Parishes. East Carrol leads the state at 75 percent.

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South Louisiana Methanol has announced its plans to pursue a $2.2 billion project is coming to St. James Parish.  Preliminary work began last year at a 1500 acre Mississippi River site.  Construction could begin later this year.  Economic Development Secretary Don Pierson says access to the river make the location desirable.

Cut 7 (10) “…in our state.”

Pierson says the initially there will be thousands of construction jobs that go into the project, followed by 75 new direct jobs.

Cut 8 (11) “…projects come online.”

Pierson says the competition is fierce when it comes to winning projects like this over states like Texas and other locations, and that the state does invest money into making the location suitable for the project.

Cut 9 (07) “…bulkhead infrastructure improvements.″

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Congressman Garret Graves supports pending legal action against several federal agencies for refusing to distribute RESTORE funds to families who fall into the “duplication of benefits” loophole after the 2016 floods. Graves says the agencies had 45 days to write policy for the money to be distributed, but departments, like HUD, have ignored the Congressional mandate passed in October.

Cut 10 (09)   “…follow the law.”

Flood victims who received Small Business Administration loans after the 2016 floods were not eligible to receive RESTORE grants for flood damage. But in October, Congress approved legislation to allow it.

Legal challenges can sometimes take ages to come to a conclusion, so Graves says they’ve consulted legal experts, and found a way to get a much faster resolution.

Cut 11 (10) “…through the court.”

The suit could potentially free up almost a quarter billion dollars in grants for 2016 flood victims.

Graves puts the blame on a group that’s opposed the regulatory change from the beginning, because he says they erroneously fear it would result in flood victims getting paid by both the SBA and HUD.

Cut 12 (10)   “…entire process.”

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USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue spoke with the press in an effort to answer questions of how the food stamps program will be impacted by the government shutdown.  In an effort to extinguish as much confusion and anxiety as possible, Perdue says soon the department will be reaching out to states to instruct them to request early issuance of February SNAP benefits.

Cut 13 (11) “…at that time.”

Perdue says SNAP benefits should be okay through March, which he says he’s hopeful should give ample time to resolve the issues with the government shutdown.

Cut 14 (11) “…able to sign.”

Perdue says the motto at the USDA is to “Do Right and Feed Everyone” and he believes this is the best plan of action during the government shutdown.

Cut 15 (08) “…do right part.”

The Philadelphia Eagles are looking to redeem themselves after a blowout 48-7 loss to the Saints earlier this season, when the two teams meet Sunday in the divisional round of the NFC playoffs. Eagles Head Coach Doug Pederson says their initial loss to the Saints was embarrassing, but the team’s progress is clear if you look at the win in Chicago…

Cut 16 (15)  “…yesterday”

Though the Black and Gold have been on a tear all season the final game of the season saw them fall to NFC South rival Carolina Panthers 33-14. But with the loss Eagles Defensive Coordinator Jim Schwartz is not underestimating the Saints saying to keep an advantage against MVP candidate Drew Brees he will have to pick and choose his battles with the defense…

 cut 17 (20)   “…one thing” 

The Bears have one of the fiercest defensive lines in the league and Eagles Offensive Coordinator Mike Groh says after putting Chicago to bed he feels prepared to protect against Black and Gold powerhouses like Cam Jordan…

Cut 18 (19)   “…make it” 

Kickoff is Sunday at 3:40 PM.

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Cut 19 (20)   “…halfcourt”

Cut 20 (18) “…every day”

President Trump addresses the nation tonight to lay out his case for increased funding for border security in the midst of a government shutdown a dispute about border wall funding. Republican Congressman Garret Graves says additional border security is necessary due to the presence of Central American cartels on the Mexican side that he says are responsible for the vast majority of opioids in America, and other criminal activity.

Cut 7 (07) “occurring”

The dispute has centered on the President’s demand for 5.7 billion in additional border wall construction.

The President says building the wall would make America safer, but Democratic New Orleans Congressman Cedric Richmond says those claims just aren’t true, and utilizing modern methods, like those called for by the Department of Homeland Security, would be a better border plan.

Cut 9 (09) “…technology″

Graves agreed that a border security plan should also lean on modern technology over thousands of miles of wall.

According to his re-election campaign, Gov. John Bel Edwards raised $3.8 million in 2018 and enters 2019 with $8.3 million in the bank for the race. A report from the campaign indicates that 87% of the money came from in-state donors. UL Lafayette Poli Sci Professor Pearson Cross says Edwards will remain active on the campaign fundraising trail.

Cut 5 (08) “…for this race.”

One of Edwards’ announced challengers, Eddie Rispone’s gubernatorial campaign says the Baton Rouge Republican has 5.5 million dollars in his campaign account. No word yet from the other Republican challenger Ralph Abraham.

A candlelight vigil was held yesterday at Marksville High School as the Avoyelles Parish community came together to mourn those affected by the deadly wreck in Florida that claimed the lives of five children last week. Edwards spoke about the wreck at the Baton Rouge Press Club yesterday.

Cut 12 (12)   “…community in Marksville.” 

President Trump will address the nation at 8PM to lay out his case for increased funding for border security in the midst of a government shutdown over the President’s demand for 5.7 billion in funding for a physical border wall. Republican Congressman Garret Graves says we do not need another Great Wall, but additional physical structures would decrease illegal border crossings.

Cut 6 (11) “…of miles”

Democratic New Orleans Congressman Cedric Richmond says with illegal immigration at decades long low, the wall would be a waste of money.

After rising through the ranks for 28 years in the New Orleans Police Department, Superintendent Michael Harrison is leaving for Baltimore to take the reins as its Police Commissioner. Political analyst Clancy Dubos says replacing him will be a major priority for Mayor Cantrell in the coming weeks.

Cut 15 (07) “…chief Harrison”

2018 was a significant year in fundraising for the re-election campaign of Governor John Bel Edwards, raising $3.8 million, bringing his total campaign account to over $8.3 million.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

Tangipahoa Sherriff Daniel Edwards has increased the reward for information related to a December 23^rd double murder that claimed the lives of a mother and son in their Independence Home. The office is now offering 10,000 dollars, and Crime Stoppers have increased their offering to 2,500 dollars. The Sheriff is asking anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers, and your identity will be concealed.

President Trump speaks to the nation tonight about border security. Matt Doyle has reaction from a Republican and a Democrat.

Cut 2 (30) “Im Matt Doyle”  

The Monroe Police are investigating the death of a United States Postal worker that was electrocuted this afternoon.  The incident happened outside of the Shannon Street Post Office in Monroe.   According to investigators, 47-year-old Paul Wesley Gammill was electrocuted while changing a lightbulb in a light pole.

A candlelight vigil was held yesterday at Marksville High School as the Avoyelles Parish community came together to mourn those affected by the deadly wreck in Florida that claimed the lives of five children last week.  Avoyelles House of Mercy Pastor Eric Descant called into the gathering from Florida to address those in attendance.

Cut 10 (11) “…and compassionate people.”

According to his re-election campaign, Gov. John Bel Edwards raised $3.8 million in 2018 and enters 2019 with $8.3 million in the bank for the race. UL Lafayette Poli Sci Professor Pearson Cross says this indicates that any challengers who can’t raise about ten million dollars will not be competitive in the race.

Cut 4 (12) “…the governor has.″

President Trump will address the nation at 8PM to lay out his case for increased funding for border security in the midst of a government shutdown over the President’s demand for 5.7 billion in funding for a physical border wall. Republican Congressman Garret Graves says additional border security is necessary due to the presence of Central American cartels on the Mexican side that he says are responsible for the vast majority of opioids in America, and other criminal activity.

Cut 7 (07) “occurring”

But Democrats refuse to pass a spending bill that includes border wall funding, calling it wasteful and unnecessary. Democratic New Orleans Congressman Cedric Richmond says the House will not force taxpayers to waste their money on the President’s campaign slogan.

Cut 8 (10) “…of money.”

Richmond says those funds should go towards social programs like paid maternity leave.

According to his re-election campaign, Gov. John Bel Edwards raised $3.8 million in 2018 and enters 2019 with $8.3 million in the bank for the race. UL Lafayette Poli Sci Professor Pearson Cross says that’s a significant number for the Governor.

Cut 3 (10) “…get him re-elected.”

A report from the campaign indicates that 87% of the money came from in-state donors.

After rising through the ranks for 28 years in the New Orleans Police Department, Superintendent Michael Harrison is leaving for Baltimore to take the reins as its Police Commissioner. Political analyst Clancy Dubos says because of Harrison’s many years of service with the N-O-P-D, he had the backing of rank-and-file officers and city leaders…

Cut 14 (12) “… with it”

New Orleans only recorded 146 murders in 2018, the lowest  since 1971.

President Trump is set to address the nation tonight at 8PM and lay out his case for increased funding for border security in the midst of a government shutdown over the President’s demand for 5.7 billion in funding for a physical border wall. Republican Congressman Garrett Graves says we may not need another Great Wall, but additional physical structures would decrease illegal border crossings.

Cut 6, 11 seconds, of miles

But Democrats refuse to pass a spending bill that includes border wall funding, calling it wasteful and unnecessary. Democrat and Assistant to the Majority Whip Cedric Richmond says the House will not force tax payers to waste their money on the President’s campaign slogan.

Cut 8 seconds, 10 seconds, of money

Richmond says those funds should go towards social programs, and networks will air a rebuttal from Democrats immediately after the speech.

According to his re-election campaign, Gov. John Bel Edwards raised $3.8 million in 2018 and enters 2019 with $8.3 million in the bank for the race. UL Lafayette Poli Sci Professor Pearson Cross says this indicates that any challengers who can’t raise about ten million dollars will not be competitive in the race.

Cut 4 (12) “…the governor has.″

One of Edwards’ announced challengers, Eddie Rispone’s gubernatorial campaign says the Baton Rouge Republican has 5.5 million dollars in his campaign account. No word yet from the other Republican challenger Ralph Abraham.

LSU ends the year ranked 6^th, good for the team’s best finish since 2011.

Congressman Cedric Richmond says he believes President Trump has committed impeachable offenses, but says he’s waiting for the final results from the Mueller probe before taking action.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle.”

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Everyone seems to agree with a proposed 1,000 dollar teacher pay raise, but with a 135 million dollar price tag, how will the state pay for it?

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”  

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While last night’s CFP championship game is in the books, New Orleans is already looking forward to 2020.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 3 (29) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

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Democratic Congressman Cedric Richmond is now the highest ranked member of the Louisiana delegation in House, and says he plans on using his high ranking authority position to highlight, and push for solutions to the state’s most pressing issues. He says Democrats will be pursuing an aggressive climate change and green energy policy, one that can address the state’s coastal, and economic woes.

Cut 4 (12) “…citizens.” 

Richmond was named Assistant to the Majority Whip for the 116^th Congress.

The former New Orleans state representative says the first thing that needs to be addressed though is the government shutdown. He puts the blame on the President Trump for holding federal worker’s checks hostage until he gets funding for a wall that was initially promised to be paid for by Mexico. Richmond says the national shutdown is having a very local effect.

Cut 5 (09) “…abomidable.”

The Congressman says he’s aware of the growing interest in impeachment from an animated group of freshman Democratic lawmakers, but cautions that any attempt to do so without indisputable evidence would distract from the parties domestic goals like minimum wage increases and paid family leave.

Cut 6 (12) “…remove him.”

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The demand for King Cakes is growing as the Bayou State gets into the Mardi Gras season.  With a longer carnival season and the Saints playing really well, Bakery director for Rouse’s Market Michelle Knight says the 59 bakeries in Rouse’s will be quite busy between local sales and shipping out orders nationwide.

Cut 7 (05) “…in the past.”

Knight says there are many variations of the King Cake to choose from with it comes to fillings, but when it comes to the most popular…

Cut 8 (07) “…and then Bavarian.”

With so many choices in King Cakes, Knight says many may find it tricky to pick a favorite.

Cut 9 (07) “…New Orleans girl.″

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Governor John Bel Edwards has made the 1,000 dollar teacher pay raise the cornerstone issue of his 2019 legislative agenda, but questions remain as to how the state will pay for the roughly 135 million dollar proposal. Edwards says he plans to pay for the raise with increased revenue from an improving economy, cuts to other budget items, and new taxes will not be necessary.

Cut 10 (09)   “…doing better.”

The plan also calls for a 500 dollar raise for support personnel like bus drivers, and cafeteria workers.

Many Republicans have signaled their support for the move, but some have suggested the pay raise should be funded with cuts in other areas of the budget. Republican Jennings Senator Blade Morrish says no matter how it gets done, it needs to get done.

Cut 11 (10) “…do it”

Louisiana teacher pay is about 2,000 dollars a year below the southern regional average.

Teachers unions nationwide have won a series of pay raises after striking, and Louisiana unions have indicated their members are seriously considering a work stoppage if the legislature and governor fail to deliver. Louisiana Association of Educators President Debbie Meaux on Talk Louisiana.

Cut 12 (09)   “…next year.”

A survey from the Louisiana Federation of Teachers showed 61 percent of their members would strike if a pay raise fails to materialize.

Meaux adds that even though the average pay is around 49,000 a year, that includes upper level positions like principles and superintendents, and likely isnt what the median teacher makes. She says on top of that, teachers have to spend hundreds out of pocket every year to pay for supplies.

Cut 13 (12) “…stapler.”

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College football’s National Championship game in Santa Clara is now in the books, but New Orleans is already looking forward to next year, as the Mercedes-Benz Superdome welcomes the game in 2020.  COO of the Sugar Bowl Jeff Hundley says the finale of the college football playoffs has seen about a $300 million dollar economic impact for the host cities.

Cut 14 (06) “…a destination city.”

Hundley says there will be plenty for fans to experience and he’s excited to put a New Orleans spin on the CFP championship game.  And while it is not yet of the same caliber of the Super Bowl…

Cut 15 (09) “…fans to do.”

Hundley says the city is no stranger to hosting college football national championship games.

Cut 16 (09)  champion next year.”

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With the wild card settled the Black and Gold set their sights on the reigning Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles. Eagles quarterback Nick Foles finds himself in similar circumstances to last year, taking over for starter Carson Wentz and leading the underdog Eagles to playoff success. Saints Head Coach Sean Payton says Foles evolution as a player cannot be ignored…

 cut 17 (17)   “…we all see” 

The Eagles are on a hot streak boasting a four-game win streak but the Saints hold the best record in the league with only three losses under their belt. The Saints blew out the Eagles earlier this season in a 48-7 victory but Payton says they are taking the matchup very seriously…

Cut 18 (17)   “…Super Bowl champions” 

Kickoff on Sunday is at 3:40 PM.

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After an eleven-day layoff, The LSU men’s basketball team jumps into SEC play tonight by hosting Alabama. The Tigers haven’t played since December 28th, while Crimson Tide are coming off a 77-75 win over nationally ranked Kentucky. LSU Coach Will Wade says Bama is athletic and big at every position…

Cut 19 (20)   “…halfcourt”

So what did the Tigers do during the eleven day break. Wade explains…

Cut 20 (18) “…every day”

The residents of Marksville in Avoyelles Parish are still in mourning following the I-75 crash involving two 18 wheelers that left seven dead, with five being local children on a church trip to Disney last week.  Another candlelight vigil is planned for 5:30 this afternoon at Marksville High School’s football field.  Marksville mayor John Lemoine says he knew four of the five children that died in the fiery crash.

Cut 4 (08) “…with the community.″

Former Dukes of Hazzard star John Schneider has opened up about why his production studio in Holden was seized by the Sheriff, saying plainly, that it’s his fault for not making the mortgage payments on the property. Schneider, who played Bo Duke on the hit show from 79-85, says he wants to make it clear that unlike many plots from Dukes, the seizure was not some nefarious, underhanded scheme from the local sheriff.
Cut 7 (11) “…in trouble.”

Gov. John Bel Edwards addressed the Baton Rouge Press Club today.  Among the topics of discussion, Edwards talked about legalizing sports betting in Louisiana. He says it will not lead to a major increase in state revenues, but it will allow our casinos to remain competitive

Cut 14 (10) “…sports betting”

A single-vehicle crash on LA Hwy 135 in Franklin Parish on Sunday resulted in the death of a teenage driver and serious injuries to another teen. State Police Trooper Michael Reichardt says 16-year-old Angel Irwin of Winnsboro over corrected and hit a tree. Reichardt says regardless of the holiday season a crash like this is tragic…

Cut 10 (09) “…party”

Governor Edwards has been unsuccessful in his effort to increase the minimum wage, but he’ll try again this year. Edwards says this spring he’ll ask the legislature to raise the minimum wage from $7.25 an hour to eight dollars an hour by 2020 and $8.50 by 2021. He says the legislation is modeled after what Arkansas recently approved…
Cut 12 (12)   “…gone up.” 
Former Dukes of Hazzard star John Schneider has opened up about why his production studio in Holden was seized by the Livingston Parish Sheriff, saying plainly, that it’s his fault for not making the mortgage payments on the property. Schneider says the recording and filmmaking hub has been on hard times since the 2016 floods, but…
Cut 6 (09) “…the world”
The 57 acre property will be up for auction on January 16.

Marksville continues to mourn the deaths of five children from their Avoyelles Parish town. They were among the seven dead in last week’s fiery crash on a Florida Highway. A candlelight vigil is planned for 5:30 today at Marksville High School’s football field. Marksville Mayor John Lemoine says the town is reeling from the devastating news…
Cut 3 (10) “…everybody knows everybody.”

A single-vehicle crash on LA Hwy 135 in Franklin Parish on Sunday resulted in the death of a teenage driver. State Police Trooper Michael Reichardt says 16-year-old Angel Irwin of Winnsboro over corrected and struck a tree…
Cut 9 (10) “…serious injuries″
A 15-year-old passenger also suffered serious injuries in the crash.