If GOP House leaders and the governor can’t come together to address the fiscal cliff, TOPS could be on the chopping block. Matt Doyle has the story…

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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It’s a very wet and cold morning across north Louisiana.  Kelley Ray says it’s just the start.

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Kelley Ray.”

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Governor John Bel Edwards is making a final push to negotiate a fiscal cliff deal before a self-imposed January 19^th deadline. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Governor Edwards will reportedly present a budget to lawmakers on Friday that includes a 100-percent cut to TOPS. The budget is a representation of what would happen if the GOP led House and Edwards do not find a solution to the loss of one billion dollars in revenue on July 1^st.  LAPolitics Publisher Jeremy Alford…

Cut 4  (08) “and policy” 

The governor is constitutionally required to propose a balanced budget, and the spending plan presented on Friday would reflect what would happen if the state does not replace the money generated by an expiring one-cent sales tax. Alford says the governor’s office is also preparing a budget that would show how the state would spend its money, if the billion dollar shortfall is resolved.

Cut 5  (11)  “he wanted.”

Edwards set a January 19^th deadline for negotiations for a deal in principle on fixing the fiscal cliff. The legislature has a regular session scheduled for March, but Alford says the fiscal cliff can only be addressed in a special session that the governor would like to call in February.

Cut 6 (09)  “one after”

Alford says negotiations have stalled, and he doesn’t expect a February special session to address the cliff at this point.

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Don Briggs’ 26 year run as the President of the Louisiana Oil and Gas Association is coming to an end.  Briggs says he’ll remain active, because he is concerned about the lost jobs in the industry. He blames Governor Edwards for support lawsuits the oil companies for their role in damaging the state’s wetlands.  Briggs said several investors from New York were ready to invest…

Cut 7 (11)  “south Louisiana.”

Briggs reflects on his time as LOGA President with fondness.  He says the industry has made contributions to Louisiana.  Briggs says after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, they raised over a million dollars to provide housing, fuel and transportation for hurricane victims…

Cut 8 (10) “other hurricanes.”

Briggs hopes there will be changes so the oil industry can operate without so many regulations that will encourage jobs growth in Louisiana…

Cut 9 (10)  “not happening.”

Briggs’ son Gifford Briggs will officially become president during LOGA’s annual meeting in March.

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It appears unlikely House legislators and Governor John Bel Edwards will come to a fiscal cliff agreement before a Friday deadline. The deadline was set by the Governor, who was hoping to enter into a February special session with an agreement in principle to fill a one-billion dollar budget shortfall.  Edwards says delaying the fiscal cliff decision could be damaging…

Cut 10 (11) “already have.”

The shortfall is due to the expiration of a one-cent sales tax passed two years ago to salvage the budget. Edwards says the sales tax increase was not a long term fix…

Several weather warnings are in effect for all of Louisiana with the impending winter weather.  Five northern Parishes are under Winter Storm Warnings, many parishes in Central and Southwest Louisiana are under Winter Weather advisories and wind chill advisories and all of southeast Louisiana is under a hard freeze warning.  Where it’s cold enough to snow, the National Weather Service’s Matthew Duplantis measurable snow will start falling around midnight…

Cut 4 (07) “further south.”

You may remember some bridges and overpasses were closed during the December winter storm.  They included the Sunshine Bridge in St. James Parish and a portion of I-110 in Baton Rouge.  DOTD’s Rodney Mallet says they are watching the weather system very closely and will be making sure motorists remain safe…

Cut 7 (11)  “close it.”

The Saints season is over and now tough decisions need to be made.  Drew Brees and Kenny Vacarro are both free agents.  Vacarro has had an inconsistent career with big plays and big errors.  Football analyst Mike Detillier says after Vacarro was placed on injured reserve, the team needs to consider their future with him…

Cut 10 (09) “choice here.”

Free agency starts March 14^th.

The Who Dat Nation has called the moment when Vikings wideout Stefon Driggs caught the 61-yard touchdown as time expired surreal. These fans say they never thought the season would end like this, but the game was certainly a wild ride…:

Cut 12 (13) “being behind”

The Saints have some big decisions to make this offseason. Matt Doyle talked to NFL Analyst Mike Detillier about what the Black and Gold will need to do…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

163 employees at CB and I in Livingston Parish are losing their jobs.  The pipe fabrication facility in Walker says they are cutting costs due to a lack of available work.  The Business Report says the decision was made after the company announced a six billion dollar merger with McDermott International.  The layoffs go into effect February 19^th.

Several weather warnings are in effect for all of Louisiana with the impending winter weather.  Five northern Parishes are under Winter Storm Warnings, many parishes in Central and Southwest Louisiana are under Winter Weather advisories and wind chill advisories and all of southeast Louisiana is under a hard freeze warning.   Shreveport National Weather Service meteorologist Matthew Duplantis says snow could fall late tonight in northern most parishes…

Cut 3 (07) “some areas.”

Road conditions could get bad very quickly tonight and tomorrow. DOTD spokesman Rodney  Mallett says even though they are prepared to work on clearing roads, check L-A-5-1-1 before heading out to see if the route you are taking is open and clear…

Cut 8 (13) “it’s closed.”

An arctic blast will pass through the state again bringing temperatures that are quite a bit colder than usual. The northern parishes could be facing several inches of snow. Shreveport National Weather Service Meteorologist Matthew Duplantis says the extreme weather will start tonight…

Cut 4, 07, further south

Theres some chance of wintery precipitation in south Louisiana, Duplantis says the storm system should weaken a good deal before it gets to the coast.

The combination of ice earlier in the evening coupled with snow later at night has officials concerned about a rapid deterioration of road conditions. Shreveport, Monroe, and Chase Department of Transportation districts will have crews out on the roads starting this evening DOTD’s Rodney Mallet says they’ll have an eye on bridges and overpasses in particular…

Cut 7, 11, close it

The Saints were on the wrong side of history in what’s being called one of the greatest playoff games ever. It had three lead changes in the last few minutes of a game that ended on a Stephon Diggs touchdown that Vikings, and Saints fans, will never forget. The Saints are a young team with one of the most highly touted draft classes in a decade, so Saints fans are looking forward to a bright future…

Cut 13, 12, I believe

First up on the Saints to do list is dealing with the impending free agency of a few key players. Drew Brees’s and Kenny Vaccaro’s contracts are up in March, and the team has to figure out what to do with a slew of other role. Figuring out who to keep around will be a tough decision with a free agent class stacked with defensive talent. Saints Analyst Mike Detillier says there’s a key position that needs to be filled.

Cut 11, 12, make plays

Free Agency kicks off March 14^th.

LRN News.

Very cold arctic air will once again plunge Louisiana in the deep freeze.  Kelley Ray has a look at preparations already underway…

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Kelley Ray”

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The Saints have some big decisions to make this offseason. Matt Doyle talked to NFL Analyst Mike Detillier about what the Black and Gold will need to do…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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Another blast of arctic air is infringing Louisiana again, which will bring below normal temperatures and the possibility of ice and snow.  Six parishes bordering Arkansas are under a Winter Storm Warning, while parts of Cenla are under a Winter Storm Advisory.  Shreveport National Weather Service meteorologist Matthew Duplantis says snow could fall late tonight in northern most parishes…

Cut 3 (07) “some areas.”

Cenla will see some snow as well.  Duplantis says sections will see measurable snow after some freezing precipitation falls starting around midnight…

Cut 4  (08) “further south.” 

There is a slight chance of wintry precipitation in South Louisiana but Duplantis says the storm system will weaken considerably by the time it reaches those areas…

Cut 5  (05)  “the Gulf.”

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Road conditions in north Louisiana could deteriorate quickly once this storm system begins producing ice then snow later.  DOTD’s Rodney Mallet says they are already preparing for the storm and have a good idea where the trouble spots will be starting late tonight into tomorrow morning…

Cut 6 (10)  “move forward.”

Some bridges were shut down during the last winter storm due to safety concerns when they glazed over with ice.  Those closures included the Sunshine Bridge in St. James Parish and a portion of I-110 in Baton Rouge.  Mallett says they will be watching all overhead passes and bridges that could prove to be problematic…

Cut 7 (11)  “close it.”

Mallett says to check L-A-5-1-1 before heading out to see if the route you are taking is open…

Cut 8 (13) “it’s closed.”

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The Saints season came to a tragic end Sunday, but the offseason is sure to keep the team busy. Drew Brees and Kenny Vaccaro headline the Saint’s 2018 free agents. Saints Analyst Mike Detillier says the team has a strong young core, that can’t lose its most important piece…

Cut 9 (12) “right back again.”

Along with Brees, the team will have to make a big decision this year on safety Kenny Vaccaro. The former 1^st round pick has had an inconsistent career, matching big plays with big errors. Detillier says after placing Vaccaro on injured reserve this year, the team has a tough decision to make…

Cut 10 (09) “choice here.”

The Saints offense and defense sputtered in the first half of Sunday’s game. Detillier says the team could use some reinforcements in key positions…

Cut 11 (12) “make plays.”

Free agency kicks off March 14^th.

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The Who Dat Nation has called that moment surreal. These fans say they never thought the season would end like this, but the game was certainly a wild ride…:

Cut 12 (13) “being behind”

We asked these fans if they thought the Saints could still make the playoffs next year…:

Cut 13 (12) “I believe”

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An arctic front is making it’s way to Louisiana starting tonight…:
Cut 1 (31) “I’m Kelley Ray”

A volunteer group supporting Louisiana soldiers is trying to get Mardi Gras care packages to troops deployed this season. Mission Mardi Gras from Afghanistan coordinator Tawney Tallo says this means so much to soldiers…:
cut 25 (09) “closer to home”
You can find shipping information on the Louisiana Heroes Project Facebook Page.

The Saints season came to a tragic end Sunday, but the off-season is sure to keep the team busy. Drew Brees and Kenny Vacaro headline the Saint’s 2018 free agents, but the team will also have to deal with promising defensive end Alex Oakfor, and a slew of other role-players. Analyst Mike Detillier says the team has a strong core, that can’t lose its most important piece:
Cut 9 (12) “right back again”

As for last night, Saints safety Marcus Williams missed a tackle around the Saints 35 yard-line when Vikings receiver Stefon Diggs ran free into the end zone in Minnesota’s 29-24 victory. The Who Dat Nation called the game a wild ride…:
CUT 12 (13) “being behind”

The National Weather Service is warning that a possible winter storm might dump a wintry mix on north Louisiana tonight. Road conditions could deteriorate quickly once this storm system begins producing ice then snow later. DOTD’s Rodney Mallet says they are already preparing and have a good idea where the trouble spots will be…:
Cut 6 (10) “move forward”
A winter storm warning is in effect for Bossier, Caddo, Claiborne, Morehouse, Union and Webster through tomorrow evening.

The Saints were 10 seconds away from playing in the NFC Championship game, then the unthinkable happened. Here’s Jim Henderson’s call on the Saints Radio Network…
cut 30 (16) “…kidding me”

Retail stores will not be selling hunting and fishing licenses for two months starting January 30th…:
Cut 3 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

Former LSU running back Leonard Fournette is a happy camper today as he helped lift his Jacksonville Jaguars to a 45-42 AFC divisional playoff victory over the Steelers. The New Orleans native rushed for 109 yards and three touchdowns Sunday, and he did it all while wearing LSU shoulder pads sent to him by the school’s equipment department.

Another blast of arctic air is coming to Louisiana, and will bring below normal temperatures and a good possibility of ice and snow in northern parishes. The six parishes bordering Arkansas are under a Winter Storm Warning. Shreveport National Weather Service meteorologist Matthew Duplantis says snow could begin falling late tonight in those areas…:
Cut 3 (07) “some areas”
As the colder air slides southward, some light freezing rain could be possible along the I-10 corridor tomorrow afternoon.

Saints rookie Safety Marcus Williams missed a tackle that allowed the Vikings to go untouched into the end zone in Minnesota’s victory last night. But New Orleans Quarterback Drew Brees says no one should say Williams lost them this game…:
Cut 19 (13) “little different”

The Louisiana Heroes Project is asking folks to send Mardi Gras boxes to troops overseas to remind them of home…:
Cut 1 (32) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

The Louisiana Family Forum is celebrating the 2018 Longest Married Couple in the state. President Gene Mills says it’s easy to make a submission…:
Cut 14 (10) “special celebration”

The New Orleans Saints lost to Minnesota 29-24 as time expired in Sunday’s Divisional Playoff game.  Saints rookie Safety Marcus Williams had an interception in the game, but it was his missed tackle that allowed Stefon Diggs to go in untouched into the end zone for the winning score. Quarterback Drew Brees says no one should blame Williams on losing the game…

Cut 19 (13)       little different” 

Winter Storm Warnings are in effect for portions of North Louisiana.  Forecasters expect widespread snowfall amounts of 2-3 inches with the potential for higher amounts of up to 4 inches in Parishes bordering Arkansas.  Temperatures will be at or below freezing which will make driving treacherous.   Southeast Louisiana will see a hard freeze Tuesday and Wednesday nights.

It’s been a colder than normal winter to say the least in Louisiana and it might affect the insect population this summer.  LSU Entomology Professor Timothy Schowalter says many tropical species in Louisiana are at the edge of the areas they normally inhabit and says how they reacted to the cold weather will determine their fate…

Cut 7 (08)  “exposed insects.”

Sportsman will be unable to renew their hunting and fishing licenses at retail stores for two months starting January 30th while they change over to a new system.  During that time, licenses will still be available through the LDWF website, but Rene LeBreton says he understands that not everyone is comfortable applying online…

Cut 12 (09) “retailer now.”

Licenses will also be available at regional offices and LDWF headquarters…

The Louisiana Heroes Project is asking folks to send some Fat Tuesday love to our troops serving in locations throughout the world who can’t be home this Carnival season. Coordinator Tawney Tallo, who is stationed in Afghanistan, says when these treats arrive it feels like Louisiana has come to them…:
Cut 6 (08) “around us”
Fill the box with Mardi Gras themed items such as hats, throws, costumes, beads, or Louisiana inspired foods. You can find shipping information on the Louisiana Heroes Project Facebook Page.

A former Louisiana Tech football star who now plays for the Browns was arrested in West Monroe on Sunday. Police say Carlos Henderson was booked for possession of a controlled substance following a traffic stop on I-20.

A winter storm warning is in effect for 6 North Louisiana Parishes, Bossier, Caddo, Claiborne, Morehouse, Union and Webster through tomorrow evening. The National Weather Service says tonight there is a potential for freezing rain and possibly 2-3 inches of snow in those areas.

The colder than normal winter in Louisiana might affect the insect population this summer. LSU Entomology Professor Timothy Schowalter says while there will be fewer mosquitoes, love bugs likely survived the frigid weather…
Cut 9 (09) “would freeze”
He says the bee population likely wasn’t affected either.

Sportsman will be unable to renew their hunting and fishing licenses at retail stores for two months starting January 30th while the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries transitions to a new system. Spokesperson Rene LeBreton says the state has a new vendor for licensing…:
Cut 10 (10) “these stores”
They will be available again at retail stores April 2nd.