Department of Transportation and Development Secretary Shawn Wilson looks ahead to road projects coming and continuing into 2018. Michelle Southern reports…:

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern.”

Do you want to save more money this year?  Kelley Ray spoke with a CPA to get some easy ways to make that possible…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Kelley Ray”

Craft Breweries are getting a big tax break as a result of the Tax Cut and Jobs Act. Matt Doyle has more…

Cut 3 (30) “Im Matt Doyle.”

Many people make quitting smoking one of their New Year’s resolutions.  Louisiana is 47^th out of 50 states for tobacco use, with over 22-percent of adults light up, one of the highest percentages in the nation.  Smoking Cessation Trust CEO Mike Rogers says one of the main reasons people don’t succeed is they try to go it alone

Cut 4  (10) “people do.” 

If people want to succeed, Rogers says to get rid of anything that may tempt you to light up…

Cut 5  (10)  “light up.”

Rogers says the high rate of smoking in Louisiana can be linked directly to the tobacco companies themselves and the way they fabricate what they do…

Cut 6 (05)  “cigarette company.”

He adds if you don’t succeed this time, to keep trying.  An average person quits at least eight times before succeeding…

Department of Transportation and Development Secretary Shawn Wilson looks ahead to road projects coming and continuing into 2018. He says major progress will take place on the work being done on I-10, west of the Basin Bridge to Lafayette. They will also break ground on the widening of the highly traveled interstate between Highland Road in Baton Rouge to La 73.:

Cut 7 (10)  “Baton Rouge.”

Wilson says there is a major construction boom happening in Southeast Louisiana this year where over 100,000 people pass through each day, so motorists need to expect delays for at least the entire year. He says people need to really understand what’s happening with traffic…:

Cut 8 (10) “two lanes.”

Wilson says there are a few projects that will be wrapping up this year…:

Cut 9 (10)  “late 18.”

A new year can mean the start of several new things, including how you handle your finances.  Trying to keep your financial house in order can be tough, if you are not aware of where you are spending your money.  Baton Rouge CPA Layne McDaniel says one way to try to squeeze a little more out of your budget is knowing how you spend…

Cut 10 (10) “you want.”

Another way to save money, is simply don’t spend it.  McDaniel says if you really want that shiny new item, give yourself some time before plopping down your hard earned money…

LRN News, I’m Matt Doyle

Parts of the state will be enduring below freezing temperatures, and wind chills as low as single digits to start out 2018. This time of year, temperatures are usually about 20 degrees higher. Donald Jones, with the National Weather Service says residents can expect some surprisingly chilly mornings…

Cut 8 (06) “unusual.”

Governor John Bel Edwards says his administration is working to maintain economic momentum heading into the new year.  However, a big challenge for the governor in 2018 is the expiration of a one cent sales tax that’s been keeping state finances afloat. The expiration will create a one billion dollar gap in the budget. Edwards says he doesn’t want budget cuts, but is against renewing the sales tax…

Cut 11 (06) “of taxation”

LRN

The Saints lost to Tampa Bay 31-24, but walked away with the NFC South title. They’ll host Carolina for a playoff game this weekend. The offense only scored two touchdowns despite a ball hawking defense that grabbed three interceptions. Sean Peyton says the post season is a great opportunity to get the offense back on track…

Cut 17 (10) “at home”

The Saints will play the Carolina Panthers on Sunday at 3:40 in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome.

Governor Edwards touted the state’s progress in getting a bipartisan criminal justice reform package passed, aimed at lowering the state’s prison population by reducing sentences for non-violent, non-sexual offenders. Edwards says the effort mirrors that of other, conservative leaning southern states, and is being considered at a national level.

Cut 10 (05) “that effort”

LRN News, I’m Matt Doyle

LRN News, I’m Matt Doyle

The Saints went down in the last seconds to Tampa Bay, but still managed to snag the NFC South title, and 4^th seed. Coach Sean Peyton says the offense won’t have a lot of time to clean up the mistakes…

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the top three teams NFC South Teams all made the playoffs.

It’s going to be a freezing cold first week of the year. Jeff Palermo has more…

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LRN

Governor John Bel Edwards wrapped up 2017 saying he believes Louisiana can continue making progress in the areas of employment and criminal justice reform. The state’s unemployment rate is it’s lowest since 2008, with record numbers of employment in healthcare and construction.  He says there should be more job opportunities this year…

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With temperatures in the teens in some parts of the state, many Louisianans are turning to unconventional sources to heat their house.  State Fire Marshal Butch Browning says the increase in fire deaths over the last few weeks is reminder for people to check their fire alarms…

Cut 3 (10) “smoke alarm.”

He says homes without a working fire alarm are unsafe, and should not be slept in until the equipment is up and working.

Matt Doyle, Louisiana radio network news.

With your Louisiana Radio Network News, I’m Matt Doyle

Looking to save some cash this year?  Kelley Ray spoke with a CPA to get some easy tips

Cut 2, 30, Kelley Ray

Many people make quitting smoking one of their New Year’s resolutions.  Louisiana is 47^th out of 50 states for tobacco use.  Smoking Cessation Trust CEO Mike Rogers says one of the main reasons people don’t succeed is they try to go it alone…

Cut 4  (10) “people do.” 

An average person quits at least eight times before succeeding.

LRN

Department of Transportation and Development Secretary Shawn Wilson looks ahead to road projects coming and continuing into 2018. He says major progress will take place on the work being done on I-10, west of the Basin Bridge to Lafayette. They will also break ground on the widening of the highly traveled interstate between Highland Road in Baton Rouge to La 73.:

Cut 7 (10)  “Baton Rouge.”

Wilson says there is a major construction boom happening in Southeast Louisiana this year.

The Saints lost their regular season finale to Tampa Bay 31-24, but New Orleans still won the NFC South, because Carolina also lost. New Orleans offense struggled mightily in this game.  Coach Sean Payton says they need to be better in the playoffs…

Cut 16 (12) “…we’ll get you beat”

LRN, I’m Matt Doyle

Unusually frigid temperatures will blanket the state this week. Temperatures started in the 20s statewide this morning.  High temperatures will be in the 30s today and tomorrow. This time of year, temperatures are usually about 20 degrees higher. Donald Jones, with the National Weather Service says residents can expect below freezing temperatures every morning this week…

Cut 8 (06) “unusual.”

Governor John Bel Edwards believes Louisiana can continue the progress it made during 2017.  However, a big challenge for the governor in 2018 is the looming fiscal cliff, triggered by the expiration of a temporary one cent sales tax, which will create a one billion dollar gap in the budget. Edwards says he wants a solution that doesn’t include renewing that temporary penny sales tax.

Cut 11 (06) “of taxation”

The Saints lose to Tampa Bay 31-24 in the final seconds, but still win the NFC South and they’ll host Carolina for a playoff game this weekend. Head Coach Sean Payton wishes they finished the game better….

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The Saints will play the Carolina Panthers on Sunday at 3:40 in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome.

The 17^th ranked LSU Tigers take on number 14 Notre Dame in the Citrus Bowl in Orlando today. Both teams are 9-3 with the Tigers riding a three-game winning streak.  Tiger Rag Associate Editor James Moran says LSU will face one of the best running games in college football, but Irish Quarterback Brandon Wimbush is inconsistent as a passer…

Cut 12 (13) “college football?”

Kickoff is at noon on ABC.

Unusually frigid temperatures will blanket the state this week. High temperatures will be in the 30s today and tomorrow. Donald Jones, with the National Weather Service, says it’ll also be a gusty start to the year making it feel even colder outside.

Cut 6 (07)  “tuesday and wednesday”

Temperatures bottomed in the 20’s state wide, with even colder overnight lows expected early Tuesday morning.

Many are turning to additional sources of heat with the extended cold snap.  State Fire Marshal Butch Browning says there has been an increase in fire fatalities in the state in the last couple of weeks. Browning says under no circumstances should a kitchen stove be used…

Cut 4  (11) “do that.” 

A man is under arrest after state troopers say he killed a bicyclist, then drove away from the scene. State Police say 29-year-old Juan Lujan of Luling was arrested Saturday. Troopers said 60-year-old Michael Atkinson was riding a bike on the shoulder of highway 90 in New Orleans near the edge of the roadway when he was hit from behind by an SUV that drifted onto the shoulder. Atkinson died at the scene.

The Citrus Bowl pits LSU against Notre Dame.  Jeff Palermo has a look at what it will take to get a Tiger win…

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The Saints lost their regular season finale to Tampa Bay 31-24, but New Orleans still won the NFC South, because Carolina also lost. New Orleans offense struggled in this game. They only rushed for 92 yards, scored just two touchdowns on offense, despite getting three turnovers and they also had seven penalties. Coach Sean Payton says they need to be better in the playoffs…

Cut 16 (12) “…we’ll get you beat”

New Orleans will now get ready to play the Carolina Panthers in the Wild Card Round of the playoffs. The Saints are the four seed and will play the 5^th seed Panthers on Sunday at 3:40 in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome.

The other wild card match-up is Atlanta at Los Angeles. If the seeds hold, New Orleans will visit the Philadelphia Eagles a week from Saturday.

In the AFC, its the Buffalo Bills versus the Jacksonville Jaguars. The other game is Kansas City hosting Tennessee.

The bowl game is finally here for the LSU Tigers as they face Notre Dame in Orlando at noon. The Tigers will look to run the football and Tiger Rag Associate Editor James Moran says they should have success against a Fighting Irish team that’s allowing 153 yards a game on the ground….

Cut 13 (11) “…Notre Dame”

Winning the Citrus Bowl would give the Tigers a ten win season, the first since back to back ten win seasons in 2012 and 2013.

Tonight at the Mercedes Benz Superdome, Alabama and Clemson meet for the third year in a row in the college football playoffs. This time it’s a semi-final matchup and the winner will play the winner of the Rose Bowl, Georgia or Oklahoma.

In college basketball last night…the Cajuns beat Arkansas State 88-78, Little Rock knocked off Ulm 71-62 and Southeastern Louisiana defeated Central Arkansas 73-69.

The Bayou State is experiencing freezing temperatures to ring in the new year. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Governor John Bel Edwards believes Louisiana can continue the progress it made during 2017 in the areas of employment and criminal justice reform. The state’s unemployment rate has declined seven straight months and at 4.7 percent it’s the lowest been since 2008.  He says there will be more employment opportunities this year…

Cut 9 (08)  “been announced”

Many are turning to additional sources of heat with the extended cold snap.  State Fire Marshal Butch Browning says there has been an increase in fire fatalities in the state in the last couple of weeks.  He says homes that don’t have a working smoke alarm are at the greatest risk…

Cut 3 (10) “smoke alarm.”

The 17^th ranked LSU Tigers take on number 14 Notre Dame in the Citrus Bowl in Orlando today. Both teams are 9-3 with the Tigers riding a three-game winning streak.  Tiger Rag Associate Editor James Moran says Winning the Citrus Bowl would give the Tigers a ten win season. It would be the first since back to back ten win seasons in 2012 and 2013 making this season a success…

Cut 14 (07) “sucessfull overall.”

Louisiana Radio Network News, I’m Matt Doyle

A Slidell man has been arrested for his part in a “Nigerian Prince’ email scam.  Kelley Ray has more…

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LSU’s Matt Canada says he’d love to remain the offensive coordinator of the Tigers. Multiple media reports say Canada will leave the program following Monday’s game After the regular season finale, Coach O expressed hoped Canada would land a head coaching job. Canada says…

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Frigid cold weather will greet us for the start of the New Year. Current projections show North Louisiana will see temperatures fall into the teens, while the rest of the state sits in the middle 20s. Chris Nuttall with the National Weather Service Shreveport says as the cold air will sink south, it will create wind chills Louisiana typically does not see…

Cut 7 (05)  “Tuesday morning.”

Despite the low temperatures, no snow is expected.

The fireworks will be coming out despite the freezing temperatures. State fire marshal’s have been out reminding people about firework safety basics, like keeping the pyrotechnics at least 300 feet away from houses, trees, and other possibly flammable objects. State Fire Marshal Chief Butch Browning says every device is different, and you need to read the label before firing the explosives…

Cut 12 (07) “to light it.”

Browning says you can talk to the experts at fireworks retailers for more safety tips.

Louisiana Radio Network News, I’m Matt Doyle

Louisiana Radio Network News, I’m Matt Doyle

Despite reports of friction between him and head coach Ed Orgeron, LSU’s Matt Canada says he’d like to stay at LSU, at least for next season. Those same reports say that LSU’s Citrus Bowl game against Notre Dame could be Canada’s last as offensive coordinator. Canada says he’s just focused on getting his players ready

Cut 4  (12) “that at all” 

Canada’s offense was ranked 53^rd in the nation

an 18 month investigation into a Slidell man’s alleged “Nigerian Prince” scam has lead to 269 counts of wire fraud and money. 67-year-old Michael Neu is the alleged middle man.  Slidell Police spokesman Daniel Seuzeneau says it appears Neu was acting alone, in Louisiana…

Cut 16  (07)  “have locally.”

Seuzeneau is warning people to be leery of offers that sound too good to be true, especially as the holiday season winds to a close.

Louisana Radio Network.

It’s been a week of unusually cold weather, and reports indicate it’s only going to get colder. Chris Nuttall with the National Weather Service in Shreveport says North Louisiana in particular may be in line for some freezing precipitation along and north of the I-20 corridor.  Nuttall says it won’t be a huge icing event though…

Cut 8 (10) “this time.”

Nuttall is warning that wind chills up north could hit single digits, with average temperatures in the south sitting in the middle 20s.

But that kind of weather won’t keep many people away from the fireworks display across the region. State Fire Marshal Chief Butch Browning says if you’re not going to a professional fireworks display, and plan on a little do it yourself pyrotechnics, to keep it limited

Cut 13 (08)  “lot of problems.”

If you’re not a licensed pyrotechnic, experts say you probably shouldn’t try to put on a show to rival professional displays.

LRN, I’m Matt Doyle