The governor will reveal his “doomsday” budget today, Matt Doyle talked to political analyst Clancy Dubos about what that means…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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A 9.7 million dollar grant will fund the creation of an oil consortium at ULL. Jeff Palermo finds out what that could mean for the state…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Emerge Louisiana choose 25 Democratic women that they will train to run for political office.  Kelley Ray talked with executive director Melanie Oubre.

Cut 3 (32) “I’m Kelley Ray.”

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Governor John Bel Edwards will unveil a budget today that will show the effects of one-billion dollars in cuts to state agencies. Reports say healthcare and education will be the hardest hit, with the possibility of a 100-percent cut in funding to TOPS. Political analyst Clancy Dubos says it’s not the budget the governor wants, but it’s the budget he is constitutionally required to present.

Cut 4  (09) “in it” 

The budget is the result of a billion dollar shortfall generated by the expiration of a one cent sales tax, passed two years ago.

So far, GOP legislative leaders and Democratic Governor John Bel Edwards have been unable to settle on a plan to address the fiscal cliff. Dubos says the political blowback for both could be severe if they fail to find a way forward.

Cut 5  (11)  “blame everybody”

Two years into Edwards’s term, the two sides have been unable to find much common ground on budget issues. Dubos says this is because both sides are jockeying for position with voters…

Cut 6 (07)  “took office”

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New Year’s resolutions are starting to fall by the wayside for many as day to day realities clash with their bold plans. LSU Ag Center nutritional specialist Elizabeth Gollub has a suggestion for those who are having a hard time maintaining their healthy habits…

Cut 7 (11)  “smaller steps.”

Many who start new diets plans can get frustrated with the changes and fall back on old habits with a binge. Gollub says one day of mistakes doesn’t mean you should abandon long-term healthy choices..

Cut 8 (12) “thing off.”

Gollub says the key to making a long term positive change is to start with a series of smaller healthy habits…

Cut 9 (12)  “long haul”

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A 9.7 million dollar grant was awarded to a UL Lafayette consortium to study the Tuscaloosa Marine Shale oil deposit that stretches across central Louisiana into the Florida parishes. A study from the 80s indicated that Louisiana could be sitting on nearly seven billion barrels of crude oil.  ULL Professor Mehdi Mokhtari (med-e mowk-tari) says the grant will help scientists unlock the shale’s potential…

Cut 10 (13) “sound way.”

The consortium will be comprised of scientists, academics, and oil industry professionals from across the nation. Moktari says the consortium could raise the prestige of the University of Louisiana system…

The below normal temperatures are about to leave the Bayou state.  Jeff Palermo spoke with state climatologist Barry Keim.

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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There are more than 50 boil water advisories posted throughout the state. Michelle Southern finds how why this happens…:

Cut 2 (29) “I’m Michelle Southern.”

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The freezing grip from the polar vortex is about to loosen in Louisiana.  Forecasters say we have one more night of below freezing temperatures statewide and then a warm front begins to move in which will swing temperatures the other way.  State climatologist Barry Keim says this weekend will feel like paradise after nearly a month of below normal temperatures…

Cut 3 (06) “near 70.”

Keim says we haven’t seen haven’t such frigid temperatures in the last 20 years.  He says the bigger weather story is the winter precipitation in the span of six weeks…

Cut 4  (09) “coastal zone.” 

Keim says there’s one more day of extreme cold to go through before the temperatures start stabilizing, which will help defrost interstates and roads…

Cut 5  (11)  “was yesterday.”

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Water pressure has become a concern across Louisiana in the wake of the recent arctic blast, which has prompted some parishes to issue boil water advisories. So why does this happen? Louisiana Department of Health Chief Engineer Amanda Laughlin (Loff-Lin) says when a hard freeze event takes place, pipes burst and there are an extremely high number of line breaks:

Cut 6 (12)  “contamination event”

Laughlin says there are nearly 50 boil advisories posted in the state right now, and that number is expected to go up. She says if your house is under a boil water advisory, it’s important to follow the order because when pressure is low, bacteria could potentially enter the distribution system:

Cut 7 (07)  “things in”

Laughlin says the advisories are only a precaution in case something has entered the system that could potentially make you sick. She says it’s still okay to shower and bathe in the water, but any water you ingest should first be boiled…:

Cut 8 (10) “all of them do”

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An off-duty Alexandria police officer was killed in an accident in Grant Parish Wednesday.  53-year-old Sgt. Travis Lowe of Deville was southbound on Highway 167, when he lost control of his pickup truck and collided with a large tree.  Master State Police Trooper Scott Moreau says the frigid weather didn’t play a factor…

Cut 9 (09) “the crash.”

Moreau says they are puzzled as to why a police officer, who is concerned about safe driving, wouldn’t have his seat belt on when he was behind the wheel…

Cut 10 (08) “seat belt.”

Routine toxicology tests are pending and the crash remains under investigation.

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Residents in Louisiana were asked by their utility companies to conserve power for a time period Thursday morning as energy demand was getting close to being more than what the power grids could handle. Entergy spokeswoman Sheila Pounders says the Midcontinent Independent System Operator made the request since they manage supply and demand on the grid..:

Cut 11 (12) “weather”

Pounders says typically there is a huge spike in power usage about 8am every morning when people are getting to work, so they simply asked folks to refrain for a couple of hours. She says it is extremely unusual for demand to be greater than supply, but if electricity had exceeded available generation, MISO would ask utilities to reduce power…:

Cut 12 (08) “without any events”

Pounders says MISO doesn’t foresee any future demand that would exceed the supply over the next several days as temperatures rise…:

Cut 13 (11) “like this”

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Crowley Police says neighbors found a man frozen to death outside his home Wednesday morning. After paramedics arrived, the body of the 56-year-old man was sent for an autopsy.  Police Chief Jimmy Broussard says the death remains suspicious until the report is completed by the coroner…

Cut 14 (06) “weather related.”

Cars have been slipping and sliding all over icy roads today. Michelle Southern reports…:

Cut 1 (32) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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Governor John Bel Edwards has declared a state of emergency.  Kelley Ray explains what that means.

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Kelley Ray.”

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Needless to say the icy road conditions are something Louisianians are not familiar with, but there are still motorists out who are required to be at work. State Police Senior Trooper Bryan Lee says based on the number of crashes they saw in a short period of time this morning, plenty of people can’t handle a vehicle on the ice…:

Cut 3 (11) “use caution”

Lee says troopers responded to at least 40 crashes and vehicles that had slid off the road between 5am and 9am this morning in the Greater Baton Rouge area alone. He says if you can’t stay put, remain aware of your surroundings…:

Cut 4  (09) “be patient” 

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Louisiana is trying to thaw out from record breaking cold. Chris Bannon with National Weather Service says 40 year-old records were broken this morning in Baton Rouge and New Orleans….

Cut 5  (13)  “1977.”

Temperatures are back above freezing this afternoon, but Bannon says we’ll see another hard freeze tonight, which is not good for icy roads…

Cut 6 (09)  “over night”

The low temperature in Shreveport was 12-degrees. The National Weather Service says Shreveport hasn’t seen a temperature that low since 1996. Forecaster C.S. Ross says Monroe’s low temperature tied a record for this date…

Cut 7 (08)  “1982”

There’s also anywhere between one to three inches of snow in north Louisiana. Ross says that snow will stick around for a couple of days…

Cut 8 (10) “low to mid 40s”

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Thousands are without power today.   Many SWEPCO customers in northwest Louisiana are without electricity and heat.  SWEPCO spokesperson Carey Sullivan says the heavy ice accumulation is the main cause of the power outages…

Cut 9 (12) “our outages.”

Sullivan says crews are working as quickly as possible to restore, but can only work as fast as the weather allows…

Cut 10 (11) “restore power.”

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Governor John Bel Edwards has declared a State of Emergency due to the hazardous winter weather conditions.  He says it’s imperative that people stay home since DOTD crews have a short time to get salt and deicing agents applied to prevent tonight’s cold temperatures to refreeze the roads…

Cut 11 (10) “refreeze again.”

Governor Edwards says every person on the road in these treacherous conditions puts themselves and others at risk.  Some law enforcement personnel found that out last night…

Cut 12 (10) “hospital”

Governor Edwards says officials are very concerned about tonight’s cold temperatures as the driving dangers may remanifest themselves again…

Cut 13 (09) “freeze again”

He says to also check 5-1-1-L-A for the latest driving conditions…

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This morning before 10am, the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office says an 8 month old child died, and its mother is in grave condition after their vehicle slid into a canal in Metairie.  DOTD Spokesman Rodney Mallett says the roads appear easier to travel than they actually are…:

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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…