Governor Edwards is not hiding the fact that he’s one of the few Democrats that has a cordial relationship with President Trump, despite the fact that it likely makes his more liberal supporters uneasy…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle.”

____________________________________________

The U.S. Supreme Court will not hear a Louisiana case determining whether Planned Parenthood cannot receive state Medicaid funds. Connor Ferrill has the story.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Connor Ferrill.”  

_______________________________

The gas prices continue to drop across the state.  Kevin Barnhart talks with AAA fuel analyst Don Redman to find out why.

Cut 3 (28) “I’m  Kevin Barnhart.”

_____________________________________________

Two died, including a six-year-old child, Sunday morning December 9^th in Campti, Louisiana after a fire consumed a trailer. Spokesperson for the Louisiana Fire Marshal’s Office Ashley Rodrigue says the cause is still undetermined with a major factor being how big the blaze was…

Cut 4 (11) “…work with″

The 71-year-old female occupant was awoken by the smell of smoke and quickly evacuated two adults and two children. The female occupant then realized one child was missing and acted quickly in an act of bravery…

Cut 5 (12) “…together”

The four survivors were transferred to a north Louisiana hospital for treatment of smoke inhalation…

Cut 6 (09) “…released”

__________________________________________________

Governor John Bel Edwards is gearing up his 2019 campaign with a focus on his record of bipartisanship, including his cordial relationship with the President. While national Democrats are solidifying their pre-presidential primary base by challenging the President, Political Analyst Clancy DuBos says that likely isn’t pleasing the Democrat’s base, but Edwards’ situation is unique being elected in the Deep South.

Cut 7 (08) “…person.”

A recent poll found 55 percent approval for the President in Louisiana.

Edwards will be fighting for re-election just as the Democratic 2020 presidential primary season is in full swing, a primary season that’s likely to be heavily focused on Trump opposition. DuBos says Edwards will maintain his uniquely conservative brand at a tumultuous time for the national party…

Cut 8 (12) “…rich liberal.″

While national news outlets highlight the inter-party ideological battle that will likely embroil Democrats once the primary season begins, DuBos expects Louisiana Democratic voters to largely support the governor despite his positions on gun rights and abortion.

Cut 9 0(7)  “…party.” 

_______________________

The U.S. Supreme Court has declined to hear the appeals of Louisiana challenging lower courts’ decisions to prevent the Bayou State from excluding Planned Parenthood as a Medicaid contractor. Executive Director of Louisiana Right to Life Ben Clapper says the Supreme Court’s avoidance is rooted in politics…

Cut 10 (09)   “…politics”

Justices Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito, and Neil Gorsuch dissented. The newest justice, Brett Kavanaugh, was among the justices voting not to hear the case.

But Clapper says the decision, however, does not invalidate Louisiana 2016 Act 304, initiated by Governor John Bel Edwards. Clapper says that entails…

Cut 11 (05) “…dollars”

Clapper says with a lack of guidance from the Court on the issue it should boil down to state’s rights…

Cut 12 (11)   “…choice”

Planned Parenthood Gulf Coast has yet to perform abortions in Louisiana, though they have applied for an outpatient abortion facility license with the Louisiana Department of Health for their facility on Claiborne Avenue in New Orleans. Louisiana and Planned Parenthood are currently in federal court in a dispute over the application.

_____________________________________________

The statewide average price for a gallon of regular gasoline continues it’s descent as it currently sits at $2.10 per gallon.  It’s just over a 30 cent drop from this time last month, and the lowest price since last December. AAA fuel analyst Don Redman says it is a welcomed trend with the holidays.

Cut 13 (08) “…with the holidays.”

Redman says one of the contributing factors is a steep decline in the barrel price for crude oil.

Cut 14 (07) “…those prices downward.”

Redman says late last week, some oil producing countries have agreed to cut back on production by about a million barrels a day.  Redman expects that may impact prices next spring.

Cut 15 (06) “…to maybe February.”

The current revenue forecast for state government will stay in place after Speaker Taylor Barras votes down an increase today in the Revenue Estimating Conference. The committee has indicated they hope the Speaker will change his mind by early next year, and that a new meeting will be called that can get the unanimous approval necessary. Barras says he likely would support a forecast increase, but later down the road.

Cut 14 (12) “…the process”

The man who lost a challenge for the Melville Chief of Police, and allegedly punched an officer at a parade for the winner, has bonded out of jail. Cleven Clark denies that he assaulted the officer, and says police were harassing his family by running the parade in front of his house after the election, but Chief Anthony Moreau says it’s an unfortunate incident, but that he won’t tolerate anyone putting their hands on his officers.

Cut 11 (07) “…the town.”

A new social media platform called First Responders Emergency Media outlet, or FREMO, has been unveiled by Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser.  Many first responders may not want to seek help as they feel they run the risk of being labeled as having some sort of problem.  Nungesser says this website will be a secure, confidential platform.

Cut 5 (07) “…shape or form.”

Louisiana has the second highest credit card burden in the United States according to a survey conducted by creditcards.com. The credit analysts found this measure by comparing the average credit card debt to the median income in each state. Industry Analyst at creditcards.com Ted Rossman says compared to other states Louisiana’s credit card debt is right in the middle but the burden stems from earnings differences…

Cut 6 (06) “…debt”

A new social media platform called First Responders Emergency Media outlet, or FREMO, has been unveiled by Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser.  Nungesser says the website will serve as an outlet of expression for first responders who experience things on the job that might leave them a bit shaken.

Cut 3 (10) “first responders first.”

Louisiana has the second highest credit card burden in the United States according to a survey conducted by creditcards.com. The credit analysts found this measure by comparing the average credit card debt to the median income in each state. Industry Analyst at creditcards.com Ted Rossman recommends looking into balance transfer cards, and says there are three options that come with major benefits…

Cut 8 (10) “…card”

The man who lost a challenge for the Melville Chief of Police, and allegedly punched an officer at a parade for the winner, has bonded out of jail. Cleven Clark denies that he assaulted the officer, and says police were harassing his family by running the parade in front of his house after the election.  Melville Police say the parade was not harassment, nor was it planned to incite Mr. Clark. Chief Anthony Moreau says the celebration is a tradition for all re-elected incumbents, and they would not have taken that route had they known where Clark lived.

Cut 10 (07)   “…do that”

The current revenue forecast for state government will stay in place after Speaker Taylor Barras votes down an increase today in the Revenue Estimating Conference. Economists in attendance voiced support for increasing the forecast on the back of rosier economic data that indicates Louisiana has seen a noticeable boost in its economic fortunes.

A new social media platform has launched for first responders in Louisiana.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (29) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

_____________________________________________

 The Melville Chief of Police runner-up is out of jail after allegedly decking an officer at a parade for the winner that ran outside his home…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”  

_______________________________________________

A new social media platform called First Responders Emergency Media outlet, or FREMO, has been unveiled by Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser.  The website was initially conceptualized by a first responder.   Nungesser says the website will serve as an outlet of expression for first responders who experience things on the job that might leave them a bit shaken.

Cut 3 (10) “first responders first.”

Nungesser says the service will be free to first responders and the cost of the website isn’t being put upon taxpayers.

Cut 4 (06) “…our first responders.″

Many first responders may not want to seek help as they feel they run the risk of being labeled as having some sort of problem.  Nungesser says this website will be a secure, confidential platform.

Cut 5 (07) “…shape or form.”

_________________________________________

Louisiana has the second highest credit card burden in the United States according to a survey conducted by creditcards.com. The credit analysts found this measure by comparing the average credit card debt to the median income in each state. Industry Analyst at creditcards.com Ted Rossman says compared to other states Louisiana’s credit card debt is right in the middle but the burden stems from earnings differences…

Cut 6 (06) “…debt”

According to the survey, the Bayou State’s income lags caused the average debt of $8,110 dollars to be paid off over 17 months with over $1200 dollars of interest paid. Rossman says those paying off this average with minimum payments are in for a rude awakening…

Cut 7 (10) “…interest”

Rossman says those struggling with credit card debt can use balance transfer cards. These are credit cards that allow you to move debt from one card to another essentially paying off the previous credit card with the balance transfer card. Typically these cards will offer a lower interest rate but may require an upfront fee. Rossman says there are three options that come with major benefits…

Cut 8 (10) “…card”

_______________________

The man who lost a challenge for the Melville Chief of Police, and allegedly punched an officer at a parade for the winner, has bonded out of jail. Cleven Clark denies that he assaulted the officer, and says police were harassing his family by running the parade in front of his house after the election, but Chief Anthony Moreau says you could see where the officer was struck.

Cut 9 (07) “…hit him”

When contacted, Clark’s family said the charges were bogus, but are withholding further comments until they talk with their lawyers.

Melville Police say the parade was not harassment, nor was it planned to incite Mr. Clark. Moreau says the celebration is a tradition for all re-elected incumbents, and they would not have taken that route had they known where Clark lived.

Cut 10 (07)   “…do that”

Clark reportedly has a history with Jerry Williams, the officer involved, and says the chief has refused to stop Williams from harassing his family.

Moreau says it’s an unfortunate incident, but that he won’t tolerate anyone putting their hands on his officers.

Cut 11 (07) “…the town.”

_____________________________

The current revenue forecast for state government will stay in place after Speaker Taylor Barras votes down an increase today in the Revenue Estimating Conference. The Senate and Governor were hoping to increase the forecast to approve tens of millions in new spending after economists upgraded the state’s outlook. Barras says he’d rather wait until next year before approving additional spending.

Cut 12 (12)   “…thursday.”

Three of the Conference’s four members voted in favor of the increase, which requires unanimous approval.

Economists in attendance voiced support for increasing the forecast on the back of rosier economic data that indicates Louisiana has seen a noticeable boost in its economic fortunes. But Barras says there’s too much uncertainty, specifically in oil prices, to make a commitment this early.

Cut 13 (10) “…production.”

The committee has indicated they hope the Speaker will change his mind by early next year, and that a new meeting will be called that can get the unanimous approval necessary. Barras says he likely would support a forecast increase, but later down the road.

Cut 14 (12) “…the process”

The current revenue forecast for state government will stay in place after Speaker Taylor Barras votes down an increase today in the Revenue Estimating Conference. The Senate and Governor were hoping to increase the forecast to approve 43 million in new spending after economists upgraded the state’s outlook. Barras says he’d rather wait until next year before approving additional spending.

Cut 12, 12 seconds, Thursday

Three of the Conference’s four members voted in favor of the increase, which requires unanimous approval.

A new social media platform called First Responders Emergency Media outlet, or FREMO, has been unveiled by Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser.  The website was initially conceptualized by a first responder.   Nungesser says the service will be free to first responders and the cost of the website isn’t being put upon taxpayers.

Cut 4 (06) “…our first responders.″

Louisiana has the second highest credit card burden in the United States according to a survey conducted by creditcards.com. Industry Analyst at creditcards.com Ted Rossman says a lot of the problem is low payments, and those paying off this average with minimum payments are in for a rude awakening…

Cut 7 (10) “…interest”

According to the survey, the Bayou State’s income lags caused the average debt of $8,110 dollars to be paid off over 17 months with over $1200 dollars of interest paid.

The man who lost a challenge for the Melville Chief of Police, and allegedly punched an officer at a parade for the winner, has bonded out of jail. Cleven Clark denies that he assaulted the officer, and says police were harassing his family by running the parade in front of his house after the election, but Chief Anthony Moreau says you could see where the officer was struck.

Cut 9 (07) “…hit him”

A new social media platform called First Responders Emergency Media outlet, or FREMO, has been unveiled that links first responders with therapists, counselors, and other responders.  Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser says the service will be free to first responders and the cost of the website isn’t being put upon taxpayers.

Cut 4 (06) “…our first responders.″

Louisiana has the second highest credit card burden in the United States according to a survey conducted by creditcards.com. The credit analysts found this measure by comparing the average credit card debt to the median income in each state. Industry Analyst at creditcards.com Ted Rossman says compared to other states, Louisiana’s credit card debt is right in the middle but the burden stems from earnings differences…

Cut 6 (06) “…debt”

The Melville Chief of Police runner-up is out of jail after allegedly decking an officer at a parade for the winner that ran outside his home…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”  

Two Louisiana schools have been named “National ESEA Distinguished Schools” for outstanding academic performance.  L.W. Ruppel Academy for Advanced Studies in Jefferson Parish was recognized in the category of “Exceptional Student Performance Schools.” Eastside Elementary School in Livingston Parish was recognized in the category of “Closing the Achievement Gap.”

House Speaker Taylor Barras says he will vote against the Revenue Estimating Committee increasing the revenue forecast for the year. This comes after Representative Cameron Henry rejected a similar increase while sitting in for the Speaker about two weeks ago. This will put 43 million dollars in additional spending, largely in corrections, this fiscal year on hold. Barras says he expects he will approve the higher revenue totals in the future, but wants to wait until he has a more certain fiscal outlook in front of him. The Speaker says he’s concerned the state would be spending money it did not have.

A new social media platform called First Responders Emergency Media outlet, or FREMO, has been unveiled.  Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser says the website will serve as an outlet of expression for first responders who experience things on the job that might leave them a bit shaken.

Cut 3 (10) “first responders first.”

A group of LSU faculty and students have teamed up to create a rehab program for stroke patients using an adapted guitar. Connor Ferrill has the story.

Cut 2 (27) “…I’m Connor Ferrill.”  

Here’s a look at commodities…

Louisiana voters decide to keep Republican Kyle Ardoin as Secretary of State. Ardoin defeated Democrat Gwen Collins-Greenup in Saturday’s special election and had this to say to his supporters

Cut 13 (11) “…upon me.”

Ardoin received 59-percent of the vote in a low voter turnout election.

For the first time in franchise history, the Saints are back-to-back division champions. New Orleans clinched the NFC South crown on Sunday with a come from behind 28-14 win over Tampa Bay. New Orleans trailed 14-3 in the third quarter, but scored 25 unanswered points to avenge an earlier loss to the Buccaneers. Coach Sean Payton…

Cut 4 (13) “…important win″

An LSU grad from Walker may have a useful app you’ll want to download to your smart device.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (29) “I’m Kevin Barnhart.”

A group of LSU faculty and students have teamed up to create a rehab program for stroke patients using an adapted guitar. Assistant Professor of the School of Kinesiology Nikita Kuznetsov (KOOZ-nets-ahv) helped to create the project after a musician and friend suffered from a stroke.

Cut 10 (11)   “…song production”

For the first time in franchise history, the Saints are back-to-back division champions. New Orleans clinched the NFC South crown on Sunday with a come from behind 28-14 win over Tampa Bay. New Orleans trailed 14-3 in the third quarter, but scored 25 unanswered points to avenge an earlier loss to the Buccaneers. Coach Sean Payton…

Cut 4 (13) “…important win″

A useful app you may want to download to your smart device is available now, and the developer behind the app is an LSU grad from Walker, Louisiana.  The app is called Find a Spot and it links you with a friend to find the best possible geographical meetup place in the middle of your two locations.  Maybe you aren’t taking a car to your next destination.  App developer Derrick Denicola says Find a Spot has you covered there too.

Cut 8 (11) “…be really neat.″

Republican Kyle Ardoin remains Louisiana’s Secretary of State as he defeated Democrat Gwen Collins-Greenup in Saturday’s election for the statewide post. Ardoin has held the job since May when he took over for Tom Schedler, who stepped down because of a sexual harassment scandal. Ardoin received 59-percent of the vote…
cut 14 (09) “…history”
In Shreveport, 33-year-old political newcomer Adrian Perkins defeated incumbent Ollie Tyler in the city’s mayoral race. Perkins is an attorney and war veteran. His promise of a better Shreveport led to a landslide victory over the 73-year-old Tyler…
cut 16 (11) “….call home”
Perkins will be sworn in before the end of the year.

For the first time in franchise history, the Saints are back-to-back division champions. New Orleans clinched the NFC South crown on Sunday with a come from behind 28-14 win over Tampa Bay. QB Drew Brees finished with 201 yards passing. He threw one touchdown pass and ran for another. Coach Sean Payton says the versatile Taysom Hill showed again why he’s important to this team…

Cut 6 (11) “…do it well.”

A useful app you may want to download to your smart device is available now, and the developer behind the app is an LSU grad from Walker, Louisiana.  The app is called Find a Spot and it links you with a friend to find the best possible geographical meetup place in the middle of your two locations.  App developer Derrick Denicola says the idea came to him while sitting in traffic.

Cut 7 (07) “…that I value a lot.”

A group of LSU faculty and students have teamed up to create a rehab program for stroke patients using an adapted guitar. Assistant Professor of the School of Kinesiology Nikita Kuznetsov (KOOZ-nets-ahv) helped to create the project after a musician and friend suffered from a stroke.The adaptive guitar is capable of creating many types of chords through a mechanical device placed on the neck of the guitar. Kuznetsov, not an engineer himself, said he proposed the guitar device to mechanical engineering seniors at LSU as a possible project in an engineering design course…

Cut 11 (07) “…at LSU”

Following Saturday’s election, Shreveport has a new mayor. 33-year-old West Pointe graduate, Adrian Perkins, easily defeated Mayor Ollie Tyler, who was seeking a second term. Perkins received 64-percent of the vote and says Shreveport’s future starts now…

Cut 15 (13) “…seeking one.”