Louisiana will receive another round of freezing temperatures this weekend. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Governor John Bel Edwards announced that the state is seeking funding for three major infrastructure projects. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 2 (29) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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Another cold air mass is bringing Canadian air into Louisiana, dropping temperatures well below normal.  Temperatures are expected to drop throughout today and then the coldest air of the weekend will settle in with overnight temperatures below freezing statewide.  State climatologist Barry Keim…

Cut 3 (13) “on Sunday.”

Keim says the brutal north winds will drop the wind chills much like what we saw last week…

Cut 4  (10) “wind chill.” 

Last time we saw an arctic outbreak, there were several house fires resulting in over a dozen fatalities.  State Fire Marshal Butch Browning says those homes didn’t have a working smoke alarm and used dangerous means to heat their homes…

Cut 5  (09)  “some fires.”

Browning says it’s important to check on neighbors, especially if they are older.  It’s also a good idea to do a maintenance check of their heating and electrical system…

Cut 6 (10)  “the weekend.”

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The Legislative Women’s Caucus is investigating to see if it is necessary to overhaul sexual harassment policies for the legislature and state government employees.  Chairman and New Orleans Representative Helena Moreno finds it disturbing even though policies are in place, it’s hard to hold legislators accountable if they were accused of sexual harassment…

Cut 7 (11)  “the legislature.”

Moreno says the current policies are antiquated and need to be brought up to date to ensure a comfortable and productive working environment.  Her hope is if persons are found guilty of sexual harassment allegations, they will be held accountable…

Cut 8 (08) “this manner.”

Moreno says the committee is also investigating to see if an online sexual harassment course that legislators are required to take is presented in a way that educates them enough to protect them and others they work with…

Cut 9 (08) “as well.”

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Governor John Bel Edwards announces the state will seek 600 million dollars in loans to pay for major highway projects.  If accepted, the bonds will finance a major expansion of I-10 in Baton Rouge, the I-10 Loyola interchange in Kenner, and construction of an interchange into Barksdale Airforce Base in Bossier City. Edwards says the state will use federal highway money to pay back the loans…

Cut 10 (09) “12 years.”

In essence, the state will use future federal highway funds to pay back the debt. If federal funding changes, the state will be required to pay the difference.

Edwards says motorists who use I-10 between the Mississippi River Bridge, and the I-10/I-12 split on a daily basis are tired of sitting in traffic and it’s time to address this problem…

Cut 11 (10) “in the state.”

The Airforce has been requesting the state improve roads around Barksdale Airforce Base in Bossier City. Edwards says connecting the base to I-20 will help the state avoid losing Barksdale in any future base realignments…

Cut 12 (11) “into that base”

The financing plans will need to be approved by state lawmakers and the bond commission. The projects will need to be reviewed by the Federal Highway Administration.

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The Saints face their toughest match up of the season as they roll into the frozen north to take on Minnesota. The Black and Gold are five point underdogs against a Vikings team that hasn’t allowed more than 20 points at home. Saints analyst Mike Detillier says there’s only one way to beat a defense like that…

Cut 13 (08)  “ball over”

The Vermilion Parish School Board is under scrutiny after a teacher was removed and arrested from a meeting.  Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Talks are heating up among Republicans hoping to reclaim the governor’s seat for their party in 2019. Michelle Southern  reports…:

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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Vermilion Parish School Board President Anthony Fontana does not regret the arrest of an English teacher at a school board meeting this week. Deyshia Hargrave was taken away in handcuffs after voicing her opposition about the superintendent receiving a pay raise. Fontana says Hargrave’s comments were not germane….

Cut 3 (07) “any help.”

The Abbeville City Attorney has said he will not press charges against Hargrave, while the board is facing criticism from the ACLU and the Louisiana Association of Educators over the arrest. Board member Laura LeBeouf says what happened Monday night is typical and has seen it before…

Cut 4  (08) “board room.” 

She was one of three board members that voted against the raise, which she says hasn’t been discussed much.  She feels Hargrave’s rights were infringed upon when Fontana tried to quiet her…

Cut 5  (09)  “to speak.”

There is some question as to the status of the Marshal that handcuffed Hargrave.  Fontana says he remains in good standing with the school board…

Cut 6 (08)  “keep order.”

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A pit bull fatally wounded a woman at a West Monroe area pet boarding house last night. Ouachita Parish Sheriffs spokesperson Glen Springfield says deputies arrived at the Happy Hounds Hotel and found the victim had been severely injured…

cut 7 (07)  “the location”

Springfield says first responders tried to stabilize the woman, but the wounds were fatal…

Cut 8 (04) “was fatal”

No further details have been released about the incident, and Springfield says the pit bull is being held by Ouchita Parish Animal Control.

Cut 9 (06)  “animal control”

Media reports identified the woman as Laura Ray.

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US Senator John Kennedy says he’s considering a run for governor in 2019, as the GOP in Louisiana hopes to keep Democratic Governor John Bel Edwards from the post for a second term. ULM Political Science Professor Joshua Stockley says this is a very conservative state, so you can expect plenty of Republican candidates to line up for next year’s election…:

Cut 10 (09) “David Vitter”

Other Republican names that have been mentioned include US Congressman Ralph Abraham, House Majority Whip Steve Scalise and Attorney General Jeff Landry. Recent polling numbers on Edwards show that the majority of voters approve of the job he is doing, so Stockley says Republicans will have the task of convincing people that the governor isn’t as conservative as he maintains:

Cut 11 (09) “organization”

Stockley says Edwards is also going to have national support as people outside of Louisiana will back a Democrat in a conservative state. He says any way you slice it, Edwards is going to be a tough candidate to beat.:

Cut 12 (09) “he’s raised”

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The U-S Supreme Court is set to rule this year on New Jersey’s challenge to the prohibition against sports betting in all but four states. If the ban is overturned, a report says that Louisiana could be one of 18 states to file legislation to regulate sports betting. Managing Director at Eilers & Krejcik Gaming Chris Grove says his firm analyzed the different gaming players in Louisiana…

Cut 13 (09)  “in 2018.”

Baton Rouge Representative Steve Carter says he has a better plan to raise money to fix roads and bridges in Louisiana.  Jeff Palermo spoke with Carter…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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The NFIB Small Business Optimism Index is at an all time high heading into 2018. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 2 (30) “Matt Doyle”

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After failing last year to raise Louisiana’s gas tax for road improvements, Baton Rouge Representative Steve Carter has a different idea this year. He plans to file a constitutional amendment that would would eventually allow a region of the state to decide if they want a higher gas tax for their area. Carter says there’s not enough support for a statewide gas tax increase…

Cut 3 (07) “any help.”

In the last year’s bill, Carter proposed a 17-cent gas tax increase would have paid for a 15-billion-dollar backlog of projects.  Carter says since not all roads and bridges across Louisiana need maintenance, this amendment would allow voters a chance to say if they felt a gas tax increase was necessary in their area…

Cut 4  (08) “to vote.” 

Carter says worsening road congestion is not only is a problem for drivers, but can hurt Louisiana’s economy.  He cites the heavy traffic in his Baton Rouge area district as a key issue that needs to be solved in the state…

Cut 5  (08)  “our bridge.”

The state hasn’t raised the gas tax since 1990.  Drivers pay 38-point-four cents per gallon, including 20-cents in state taxes.

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NFIB Index of Small Business Optimism is at an all-time high as we enter 2018. The yearly index is a barometer for the general mood of small business owners across the US. A sharp rise in optimism was logged after the 2016 election, and Louisiana NFIB Director Dawn Starns says a lot of that has to do with the Trump administration’s promise of regulatory rollback and tax cuts…

Cut 6 (07)  “in 2017”

Starns says a big factor was the judicial defeat of a Labor Department overtime rule. The rule would have required businesses to pay time and a half on overtime hours to roughly 4.6 million workers earning under $47,476 a year, who work more than forty hours a week. She says that was a boon for small businesses…

cut 7 (12)  “hourly and their managers”

While optimism is high, Starns says businesses face one potential roadblock: finding qualified workers. She says it could hold back the Louisiana economy…

Cut 8 (09) “across the nation”

Starns says the increased competition for qualified workers will lead to higher wages.

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Governor John Bel Edwards has sent a letter to President Trump asking him to defend Louisiana’s ability to offer medical marijuana. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has requested a federal mandate that protects a state’s legal medical marijuana activity to be reversed. Senator Fred Mills authored the 2016 law authorizing the regulation of cannabis treatment here…:

Cut 9 (07)  “for clients”

Recent polling in Louisiana indicates that there is broad support for the availability of medical marijuana treatment for those in need. Mills says tackling this type of program would be a horrible step back for people that need this medication…:

Cut 10 (03) “not humane”

Mills says Louisiana has the most conservative medical rules and laws in the nation. He says the program will work, and the federal government needs to stay out of the way…:

Cut 11 (08) “taking place”

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One teenager is dead and two adults are wounded after an apparent home invasion in Tallulah. 17-year-old Robert Taylor, was found deceased after Madison Parish deputies arrived on the scene Sunday night. 21-year-old Corey McGowan was injured and taken into custody last night. Investigator Brandon Wiltcher says the shootout began after Taylor and McGowan knocked at the homeowner’s door.

Cut 12 (10) “had weapons”

Afterward the homeowner opened the door, Wiltcher says the suspects allegedly forced their way into the house…

Governor John Bel Edwards remains an agreement can be reached with the GOP lawmakers on solving a looming one-billion-dollar deficit.  I’m Jeff Palermo.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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The freezing cold temperatures of last week could lead to fish kills. Matt Doyle spoke with a Wildlife and Fisheries biologist.

Cut 2 (30) “Matt Doyle Reporting”

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Carnival season means king cake season, and this year’s compressed schedule, coupled with the Saints in the playoffs means this tradition is kicking into overdrive. Haydel’s Bakery’s Dave Haydel says the last time the Saints made the Super Bowl, black and gold king cakes flew off the shelves…

Cut 3 (08) “of the Super Bowl.”

King cakes can be found at some locations year long, but there’s a particular yearning for them during Mardi Gras season. Haydel says this year’s particularly short season is keeping bakers busy…

Cut 4  (09) “so short.” 

It’s generally accepted that a traditional king cake is a twisted dough covered with icing, but after three centuries, the variations are nearly limitless. Haydel says there’s a few other varieties he’s noticed are in high demand.

Cut 5  (13)  “fillings too.”

Carnival season wraps up Tuesday, February 13^th.

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The Madison Parish Sheriff’s Office says one person was killed another two were injured in what authorities believe was a home invasion in Tallulah. Investigator Brandon Wiltcher says someone allegedly tried to break in to an apartment at Country Meadows…:

Cut 6 (09)  “to the hospital”

The investigation is ongoing, but no arrests have been made at this time. Wiltcher says this crime appears to be random, and things like this don’t happen in Tallulah very often..:

Cut 7 (08)  “this matter”

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State Police say an officer with the Monroe Police Department died in a crash on Sunday. Trooper Michale Reichardt says 26-year-old Officer Christopher Beaudion (Boo-Dwan) was in his unit shortly before 3am yesterday on South 2nd near Winnsboro Rod in Monroe…:

Cut 8 (05) “and struck a tree”

The cause of the crash is under investigation, and routine toxicology and autopsy results are pending. Reichardt says Beaudion has been with the department since August of 2016 and leaves behind a wife and two children..:

Cut 9 (09)  “and prayers”

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Last week’s  hard freezes will have an impact on fishing. Many fish burrowed deep into the mud and away from anglers hooks during the cold temperatures. Wildlife and Fisheries biologist Alex Perret says a fisherman’s best bet is to wait for the coldest weather to pass…

Cut 10 (11) “front comes”

LDWF is warning the public about fish kills as a result of freezing temperatures. Perret says it’s uncommon, but not unheard of…

Cut 11 (12) “fish mortality”

If you do find a fish kill, Wildlife and Fisheries asks that you contact them and provide basic information such as the location and size of the kill. Perret says it’s a public safety interest…

Cut 12 (09) “fish kill”

If the water remains below 40 degrees for more than a day, Perret says you should probably anticipate a tougher day of fishing.

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Governor John Bel Edwards met with House Speaker Taylor Barras again today to discuss solutions to a looming one-billion dollar budget deficit. Edwards would like to call a special session in February to pass a revenue-neutral tax plan to address the fiscal cliff. In the meantime, the governor is working on proposing a budget that reflects a billion dollars in cuts, if he can’t reach an agreement with legislators on a tax plan…

The Louisiana House Speaker and Governor are set to meet today to continue working towards a resolution to the fiscal cliff. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 1 (33) “I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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A new Baton Rouge police chief will have his share of challenges after he’s sworn in today. Jeff Palermo Ray has more.

Cut 2 (28) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Strawberry farmers had to put the brakes on this year’s harvest as a result of the polar vortex. Matt Doyle has more…

Cut 3 (29) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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LSU athletics reportedly paid 1.7 million dollars to buyout the final two years of Matt Canada’s contract. So the search is on for a new offensive coordinator.  Tiger Rag Editor Cody Worsham believes Athletics Director Joe Alleva is willing to spend a lot on a new play caller…

Cut 4  (09) “your coordinators.” 

LSU will start an inexperienced player at quarterback next season, most likely either Myles Brennan who who will be a sophomore next season or Lowell Narcisse, who will be a redshirt freshman in 2018.  Worsham says LSU needs to find an offensive coordinator that has a history at developing quarterbacks…

Cut 5  (07)  “ever been.”

Canada’s modern motion offense was expected to bring big results, but ended up flat lining in big games. Worsham says this is a very important hire for Orgeron, because if he misfires again, it could mean the end of his tenure at LSU…

Cut 6 (05)  “third chance.”

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New Baton Rouge Police Chief Murphy Paul will be sworn in today and has a huge task ahead. East Baton Rouge recorded 104 murders in 2017, most  were in the city limits of Baton Rouge. LSU Sociology Professor Matthew Valasik says Paul must heal any animosity between police and citizens, before progress can be made…

Cut 7 (11)  “the air.”

Paul is a 19-year law enforcement veteran coming from Louisiana State Police.  Valasik says this will enable Paul to bring experience and a different perspective…

Cut 8 (11) “his favor.”

Valasik says one way Paul can help reduce crime in the city is to try to decrease crime by following some of the steps done in New York City.  But Valasik says there is one big difference between the two cities…

Cut 9 (11)  “do that.”

Paul replaces Carl Dabadie who retired in October.

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Democratic Governor John Bel Edwards will meet with Republican House Speaker Taylor Barras today to continue negotiations centered on the looming fiscal cliff. Edwards set a January 19^th deadline to come up with an agreement in principle on a plan to address a one billion dollar shortfall. Political Analyst Bernie Pinsonat…

Cut 10 (09) “reduce spending”

The governor’s plan includes allowing the fifth penny of the state sales tax to expire, but remove sales tax exemptions businesses enjoy. The plan echoes the recommendations of a bipartisan taskforce. Republicans want to reduce state spending. Pinsonat is skeptical a deal can be reached by the January 19^th deadline…

There has been a disturbing uptick in house fatalities due to fires.  Kelley Ray has a look at a key component that most homes need to have operating.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Kelley Ray”

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The Trump administration is proposing an end to the thirty year moratorium on offshore drilling in most of the country. Matt Doyle has more…

Cut 2 (29) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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House fires statewide have claimed 16 lives since Christmas according to State Fire Marshal Butch Browning.  This morning, Baton Rouge firefighters battled a blaze that killed at least three people.  Browning says space heaters are the cause of many of these fires…

Cut 3 (09) “defend themselves.”

There seems to be a common theme in the use of space heaters.  Browning says due to the high amount of energy they use, they can become a fire hazard…

Cut 4  (10) “space heater.”  (2x)

Browning says do not use extension cords with space heaters and it should be the only thing plugged into an outlet. He says older outlets can’t handle a space heater and another electrical item plugged into them…

Cut 5  (12)  “connection fail.”

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The Department of the Interior has submitted a proposal to open up offshore drilling in federal waters off the coast of most of the US. This program would allow drilling outside of the zone currently restricted to the western and central Gulf of Mexico. Senator Bill Cassidy says the 30-year drilling moratorium has cost the country thousands of good jobs…

Cut 6 (10)  “American jobs.”

The state Workforce Commission estimates Over 50,000 Louisianans are employed by the oil industry. Cassidy says that number could balloon under the new proposal…

Cut 7 (10)  “by 2035.”

The plan is receiving criticism from Democrats and environmental groups who fear the expansion could lead to another disaster like the 2010 BP oil spill. Cassidy says the concerns are unfounded…

Cut 8 (11) “for decades”

A coalition of coastal governors, including Florida’s Rick Scott, has requested an immediate meeting with Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke.

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Sunday is the Saints first home playoff game in six years, and fans are preparing parties across the Bayou. That’s keeping Saints retailers busy as fan flock to stores to buy jerseys, banners, party plates, and everything else black and gold. Black And Gold Shop’s Pam Randazzo says the weather has Saints fans wrapping up…

Cut 9 (06)  “winter gear”

Randazzo says there’s some go to items for Saint’s playoff parties…

LSP will graduate its 96^th Cadet class today.  Don Molino has more…

Cut 1 (28) “I’m Don Molino.”

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Discovery Channel viewers will learn about some of the toughest jobs in the state, thanks to a television show called Out Da Bayou. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 2 (28) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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The polar vortex is projected to retreat back north this weekend. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 3 (29) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Saturday’s Powerball jackpot and tonight’s Mega-Millions drawing are some of the largest jackpots the history of the multi-state lottery games.  Louisiana Lottery spokesman Dustin Annison says a lot of money is on the line…

Cut 4  (12) “that game.” 

Annison says very few people are lucky enough to win the large jackpots, but plenty of players win smaller prizes. He says several won in Louisiana earlier this week…

Cut 5  (10)  “New Orleans.”

Annison says the large jackpots are drawing people across state lines helping to increase the size of the jackpots…

Cut 6 (07)  “a factor.”

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The 96^th Louisiana State Police cadet class will graduate today with 27 men and women being assigned to the ten different troops around the state.  Sgt. Jared Sandifer says the new troopers will help drivers throughout the Bayou State…

Cut 7 (12)  “we do.”

This was the first time in many years that LSP conducted two cadet classes at the same time.  As the 96^th is wrapping up, the 97^th class began their over 20 week training program with much larger class.  Sandifer says there are many who want to have a career in law enforcement…

Cut 8 (09) “live with.”

Even though nothing is scheduled yet, Sandifer says they are looking to begin recruiting for the 98^th class…

Cut 9 (07)  “application process.”

46 men and women were assigned from the 95^th cadet class that graduated last April.

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A television series about the life of the men and women who live in the wilds of Louisiana will begin airing on a new channel this weekend. The Discovery Channel has signed “Out Da’ Bayou” for 13 episodes after five years on CST and the Sportsman Channel. Host John Jackson says the show puts you right in the middle of some of the toughest jobs in the state, like catching swordfish…

Cut 10 (08) “they do”

Jackson says even if you were born and raised in the bayou, you’ll probably learn something new about your home state…

The new GOP tax law could lead to savings on some customers utility bills. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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Dave Aranda is staying. Still no word on Matt Canada. Kelley Ray has the latest on LSU’s coordinators…

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Kelley Ray”

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Lafayette Police say a teenager is dead after a stabbing last night.  Corporal Bridgette Dugas says they found a 17-year-old male victim shortly after arriving at a home and arrested the suspect after obtaining information from him…

Cut 3 (07) “LPCC currently.”

Dugas says the investigation is continuing, but they believe an argument between the teen and 32-year-old Lawrence Allen the Second escalated into murder…

Cut 4  (07) “domestic situation.” 

Dugas says they do not expect any other arrests in the case.

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Three people, a mother and her two children, were killed in a mobile home fire in Zachary late last night.  Zachary Fire Chief Danny Kimble says firefighters reported to fully engulfed shortly after 11pm…

Cut 5  (05)  “someone inside.”

Kimble says these type of fires can destroy a trailer fairly quickly once they start…

Cut 6 (09)  “by anyone.”

The family has told a Baton Rouge TV station that an 8-year-old and 11-month old child died in the blaze. Kimble says there may have been a lack of smoke detectors…

Cut 7 (10)  “should have.”

Foul play is not suspected.  Both the state fire marshal and local authorities are continuing to investigate the exact cause of the fire.

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The federal tax reform bill slashed taxes for different businesses, and after some review the state believes those tax savings could be passed on to utility customers. Public Service Commissioner Foster Campbell says the tax reductions will save some utility companies, such as Entergy and Cleco, hundreds of millions of dollars. Campbell says those savings shouldn’t be stashed…

Cut 8 (10) “the people”

Governor John Bel Edwards praised recent rate reductions in South Carolina due to the new tax savings, and says he hopes to see the same from Louisiana utilities.  Campbell says he’ll make sure Louisiana’s Public Service Commission looks into it…

Cut 9 (12)  “target with”

Campbell anticipates the Public Service Commission will determine rate payers are due a decrease on their bill, because utility companies are paying lower taxes…

There was snow on the ground in Grand Isle today. Jeff Palermo has more on our frigid weather…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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This arctic blast has Louisianans scrambling to protect their homes. Matt Doyle talked to State Fire Marshal Butch Browning about a growing issue…

Cut 2 (29) “I’m Matt Doyle.”

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Parts of coastal Southeast Louisiana saw snow early this morning.  Measurable snow fell in Grand Isle and areas of south Plaquemines Parish.  Alek Krautman with the National Weather Service in Slidell says the last time snow stuck to the ground in that area was December 1989…

Cut 3 (11) “Venice area.”

The snow will not stick around long.  Krautman says high temperatures across the state today will be in the low 40s…

Cut 4  (07) “night, tonight.” 

Krautman says another hard freeze warning is in effect for tonight into tomorrow morning…

Cut 5  (12)  “north Louisiana.”

Warmer weather is expected by the weekend with temps in the 60’s statewide.

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The polar vortex is wreaking havoc across Louisiana, and is suspected as the reason behind a Baton Rouge house fire that resulted in the death of an elderly couple Tuesday morning. State Fire Marshal Butch Browning says his office has seen a substantial uptick in the number of fires…

Cut 6 (10)  “related to weather.”

So far, investigators are attributing many of the fires to people taking big risks to keep their homes warm. Browning has a few fundamental fire safety tips…

Cut 7 (12)  “if you are cooking.”

The freezing temperatures are a big threat to plumbing. Wrapping your pipes is recommended, but many people are letting the water run overnight to keep their pipes from freezing over. Browning advises against this…

Cut 8 (08) “from freezing”

Browning says now would be a good time to check up on your elderly relatives, and make sure their smoke detector is up and working.

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The Louisiana SPCA says they are getting numerous reports of pets left outside in this extremely cold weather.  Some pets are being seized by authorities and owners are being charged with animal cruelty.  SPCA spokesperson Alicia Haefele says their officers are responding to all calls concerning outdoor animals left alone…

Cut 9 (11)  “them properly.”

Haefele says several Parishes require owners to take their pets indoors when temperatures reach freezing.  Those who do not take steps to ensure their pets are kept warm could lose them…

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

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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

Cut 2 (28) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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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.”

Another danger is the use of space heaters and other appliances to keep your home warm.  Browning says under no circumstances should a kitchen stove be used…

Cut 4  (11) “do that.” 

He says an important aspect to fire safety is an exit plan if you are caught in a house fire.  Browning says make sure your family knows what to do in an emergency, especially if your normal exits are blocked…

Cut 5  (10)  “your bed.”

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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”

Jones says those early week wind chills could be bone chilling…

Cut 7 (08)  “windchills.”

This time of year, temperatures are usually about 20 degrees higher. Jones Louisiana residents can expect below freezing temperatures every morning this week…

Cut 8 (06) “unusual.”

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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. Edwards says there will be more employment opportunities in 2018…

Cut 9 (08)  “been announced”

DXC Technology plans to hire 300 people in New Orleans this year. Graphic Packaging in West Monroe will continue its expansion of a paperboard manufacturing facility, while the Sasol chemical complex will come on-line later this year in Calcasieu Parish.

A big accomplishment in 2017 for Governor Edwards was the approval of a criminal justice reform package aimed at lowering the state’s prison population by reducing sentences for non-violent, non-sexual offenders. Edwards, who was invited to the White House to discuss the issue in November, says foresees a push in Congress this year.

Cut 10 (05) “that effort”

A big challenge for the governor in 2017 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.