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.

Louisiana is experiencing another very cold day, and it looks to stay this way and get even chillier into the New Year. Michelle Southern reports…:

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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The US Department of Agriculture will test a new product to combat the nationwide swine infestation. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 2 (29) “Im Matt Doyle.”

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The US Department of Agriculture will test a new method in 2018 for controlling the rampant feral hog population. Texas and Alabama were chosen for a pilot program involving a new poison bait that officials hope will target the swine, without damaging local ecosystems. Louisiana Ag Commissioner Mike Strain says the Sodium Nitrite targets red blood cells to incapacitate the pigs…

Cut 3 (06) “ninety minutes.”

Sodium Nitrite is typically used as a meat preserver, and its salty flavor usually keeps wild animals uninterested. Strain says part of the testing will be finding out how to get the pigs to actually eat it…

Cut 4  (12) “eating it.” 

Strain says the test won’t be cheap…

Cut 5  (11)  “a year.”

Testing is set to begin early 2018.

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Louisiana is one of eight states that saw a population drop. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, between July 2016 and July 2017, the state’s population decreased by fewer than 2,000.  About 27,000 relocated to other states.  Demographer Greg Rigamer says a lot of the decrease has to do with the current job market…

Cut 6 (09)  “other states.”

Rigamer says the state’s budget crisis has not helped encourage job growth in Louisiana.  And with a projected one-billion-dollar shortfall, there doesn’t seem to be a quick fix coming…

Cut 7 (04)  “this point.”

Rigamer says the hospitality industry is huge in the Bayou State.  But if Louisiana wants to see the population increase again, wages need to go up for those working hard to welcome travelers…

Cut 8 (07) “managerial jobs.”

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Louisiana is experiencing another very cold day, and it looks to stay this way and get even chillier into the New Year. State Climatologist Barry Keim says the polar vortex has arrived with a vengeance and it’s going to affect us for at least the next week and perhaps even longer…:

Cut 9 (10)  “for Friday”

Keim says another cold front is expected to sweep across the state Sunday, bringing in even cooler air….:

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It’s a chilly Christmas Day in Louisiana. Don Molino chats with State Climatologist Barry Keim…:

Cut 1 (28) “Don Molino”

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An analysis finds upgrading National Parks in Louisiana could create 110 jobs.  Matt Doyle talked with the Pew Charitable Trusts about what it would mean for the parks and the economy…

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Matt Doyle.”

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It’s a chilly Christmas Day in Louisiana, as State Climatologist Barry Keim says there is a light freeze across northern parishes, and temps in the 30s across most of the state. He says the high this December 25th will only get to the low 40s to mid 50s…:

Cut 3 (03) “for Christmas”

Keim says it’s also very breezy out today with this cold air that’s filtering in from Canada…:

Cut 4  (05) “wind chill” 

Keim says while it may become milder late next week, another chill down is expected for the last weekend of 2017. But in the meantime it’s going to be cold like this for the next several days…:

Cut 5  (08)  “across Louisiana”

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An analysis commissioned by the Pew Charitable Trusts shows that investing in national parks in Louisiana could create over 110 new jobs.  Eight sites in the Bayou State that would benefit.  Director of the Restore America Parks Campaign, Marsha Argust, says most of the work needs to be done on permanent structures in these parks…

Cut 6 (11)  “historic buildings.”

Argust says the analysis shows there would be several job skills that would be needed to make the parks safer and positively impact visitor access…

Cut 7 (09)  “labor skills.”

The National Park System passed an important milestone celebrating their 100^th anniversary last year.  Argust says it’s sad that many of the parks are showing their age, since there hasn’t been a complete rehabilitation of the sites in over 60 years.  Declining financial support has been a problem…

Cut 8 (12) “those assets.”

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The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries’ December Aerial Waterfowl Survey shows a major migration of birds, over three million compared to just over one a half million last month.  Waterfowl Program Manager Larry Reynolds says the increase may not be so good for hunters…

Cut 9 (07)  “and December.”

The extremes in weather in Louisiana this past month with temperatures approaching 80 degrees and then a freak snowstorm that dumped as much as six inches in Southeast Louisiana had an effect on the waterfowl population.  Reynolds says it makes ducks more migratory than usual…

Cut 10 (09) “birds out.”

Soldiers from the across the state, like these, are sending love to The Bayou State this Christmas…:

Cut 13 (23)  “Merry Christmas”

These military members send holiday greetings home to Louisiana…:

Cut 14 (23) “while I’m here”

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There’s an extra special bonfire to be lit this Christmas Eve along the Mississippi River levee in St. John Parish that’s getting national attention. Matt Doyle Reports…:

Cut 1 (31) “Matt Doyle”

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Much colder weather is arriving in time for Christmas.  Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (29) “I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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There’s an extra special bonfire to be lit this Christmas Eve along the Mississippi River levee in St. John Parish that’s getting national attention. It’s a massive alligator snapping turtle that actually moves. It was created by Josh Weidert of Garyville and his crew, “Blood Sweat and Bonfires.” He says they’ve been working on the bonfire a few months…:

Cut 3 (06) “cut logs.”

Dozens of bonfire structures are lit every year on December 24th, to light the way for the Cajun Santa: Papa Noel. Weidert says they try to get more and more creative with their bonfires every year, but the 22 foot long, 7 feet tall turtle was inspired by drones that fly over the levees and take pictures and videos from every angle:

Cut 4  (09) “ingenuity.” 

Weidert, who says he’s been building bonfires since he was 11-years-old, says the tradition has been a long standing one in his family. He says it was fascinating as a kid to watch the the smoke and fog fill the river and watch out for Papa Noel…:

Cut 5  (12)  “jungle juice.”

The lighting starts in St. John and St. James Parishes Christmas eve at 7pm.

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It will feel a lot like Christmas as a cold front will bring more seasonable temperatures to Louisiana.  After experiencing highs near 80 in parts of the state, state Climatologist Barry Keim says a strong cold front will usher in colder air starting Saturday…

Cut 6 (10)  “and 60s.”

Keim says Saturday won’t be the coldest day.  Keim says frigid temperatures are in store for Christmas Eve night on into Christmas Day…

Cut 7 (11)  “mid 50s.”

No White Christmas is in store for the Bayou State, but Keim says there is a slight chance we could see spotty severe weather…

Cut 8 (08) “marginal risk.”

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Governor John Bel Edwards is wishing residents across the state a very Merry Christmas…:

Cut 9 (09)  “of Louisiana”

Edwards released a statement about the latest unemployment number ahead of the holiday weekend; noting that the last time it was just 4.7 percent was in May of 2008. He says this is great news heading into 2018 where he’s optimistic about seeing compromise on the state’s budget woes…:

A new poll gives Governor John Bel Edwards his highest approval rating since taking office in January of 2016. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 1 (26) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Tax reform is in, and that means big changes to the way Louisianans file taxes.  Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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A Southern Media and Opinion Research poll finds Governor John Bel Edwards has his highest approval numbers since taking office nearly two years ago at 65-percent. It eclipses his previous high of 63-percent and is higher than the 54-percent approval rating in May. Pollster Bernie Pinsonat says timing is everything in politics…

Cut 3 (10) “and taxes.”

His approval rating is higher than other statewide elected officials.  Senators John Kennedy and Bill Cassidy received 51 and 45 percent respectively and Congressman Steve Scalise got a 55-percent approval rating.  Pinsonat says it helps Edwards is away from the political division that’s happening in Washington D-C…

Cut 4  (09) “perfect time.” 

Governor Edwards is grateful for the trust the voters have placed in him.  He says the first two years have seen it’s share of challenges with the budget, the 2016 floods and the recent audit of former State Police leader Mike Edmonson, but he is looking forward to the future…

Cut 5  (07)  “in 2019.”

Edwards hopes his high poll numbers will help him get his agenda accomplished…

Cut 6 (08)  “against you.”

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Nearly 64,000 Americans died last year from drug overdoses, leading to a decline in life expectancy for the second year in a row, according to the CDC. Health officials say the decrease is a result of the exploding opioid epidemic, and President and CEO of the Addiction Policy Forum, Jessica Hulsey Nickel, says the number of addicted Americans is growing…

Cut 7 (07)  “that they need.”

Nickel says many young adults are dying from drug overdoses, and has caused to life expectancy rate to shrink…

Cut 8 (03) “every single day.”

Nickel says the crisis has been building for years, and the country is failing to address it…

Cut 9 (11)  “our patients”

According to the World Health Organization, The United states now ranks below several dozen other countries in average life expectancy.

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Congress’s 1.5 trillion dollar tax overhaul has many wondering how this will impact their finances. The wholesale changes touch everything from investment returns to charitable donations, and radically alters tax season for most Louisianans. Baton Rouge area CPA Brandon Lagarde says the bill should lower taxes for most in the state…