For a third month in a row, House Republican leadership has blocked a revenue forecasting panel from recognizing additional revenue for the state budget, despite suggestions to do so from economists. Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne says the delay could prevents State Police from training a new cadet class.
Cut 10 (10) “retiring troopers.”
House Speaker Taylor Barras says there’s no harm in waiting to raise the forecast to make sure the extra revenue is actually coming in.

State Climatologist Barry Keim says strong storms will move through the state tonight and into tomorrow morning and then you’ll need a heavy jacket..
cut 15 (12) “…uncomfortable”
Low temperatures are expected to get below freezing in central and north Louisiana on Sunday and Monday.

The Southern Republican Leadership Conference kicks off today in Kenner. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart.”

And then Sunday it’s the NFC Championship game between the Saints and Rams. Who Dat Nation is confident…
cut 4 (16) “…24-17”
Kick-off is at 2:05.

It’s a Black and Gold Friday as Who Dats are fired up for Sunday’s NFC Championship game against the L-A Rams. Saints fans are confident their team will advance to the Super Bowl…
voicer 1 (33) “…Super Bowl”

Over two-thousand runners are registered to participate in the Louisiana Marathon in Baton Rouge this weekend. Governor John Bel Edwards says he’ll participate in a 5-K run.

For the third straight month, the Revenue Estimating Conference met and failed to raise revenue projections, despite economists telling the four-member panel the state is projected to collect more money than expected. Republican House Speaker Taylor Barras is blocking the recommendation, because of uncertainty with the state’s economy. But Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne says Barras’ decision could impact a budding public health epidemic…
cut 11 (10) “…problems
Dardenne says he’ll call for another Revenue Estimating Conference meeting next month.

The Southern Republican Leadership Conference begins a two-day conference today at the Ponchartrain Center in Kenner. President of the event, Roger Villere, says the two Republican announced candidates in the 2019 governor’s race will be there…
cut 8 (10) “…Republican Leadership Conference”

State climatologist Barry Keim warns Louisiana residents to expect a rapid change in the weather. The first part of that roller coaster starts today, where things may feel fine right now, but are set to take a drastic turn later tonight.
Cut 13 (11) “…rain.”
There’s a marginal risk for severe weather for north and central Louisiana today and artic air hits the state on Saturday, which will result in temperatures dropping like a rock.

Saints Coach Sean Payton is asking Who Dat nation to be loud during Sunday’s NFC Championship game, even when the Rams offense is in the huddle. Bill from Covington is confident Saints fans will bring the noise and the team will do its part…
cut 5 (09) “….stay in Atlanta”
The NFC Championship game is Sunday at 2:05.

At the state capitol, the stalemate continues over an effort by the Edwards’ administration to increase revenue projections based on the forecast provided by economists. Republican House Speaker Taylor Barras says he’s more comfortable with adjusting the revenue forecast closer to end of the fiscal year, based on what happened last year when the state ended up with a surplus after approving a sales tax…
cut 12 (10) “…..or adopt”
Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne accused Barras of playing a game by not recognizing the reality that the state is collecting more dollars than previously projected.

The Saints are Super Bowl bound if they can make it through the LA Rams this Sunday.  We hit the streets to find out what fans are expecting.

Cut 1 (33) “I’m Kevin Barnhart.”

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The Southern Republican Leadership Conference kicks off today in Kenner.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (31) “…the Super Bowl.”  

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The Revenue Estimating Conference has once again declined to approve additional revenue for the state budget.

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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Who Dat nation is ready to rumble in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome again this Sunday as the Saints battle the LA Rams in the NFC Championship. A win and the Black heads to the Super Bowl in Atlanta. A few fans are expecting the Saints to demolish the Rams, many we talked to expect it could be a real nail biter.

Cut 4 (16) “…24-17.”

Fans made plenty of noise in their most recent victory over the Eagles, but Bill from Covington says he’s going to the game and anticipates it will be even louder.

Cut 5 (09) “…stay in Atlanta.”

Louis from New Orleans says anticipates a high scoring game, and says he’d like to see the black and gold advance to the Super Bowl to faceoff with the Chiefs.

Cut 6 (08) “…more exciting matchup.”

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Kenner is the host city for the Southern Republican Leadership Conference that kicks off today at the Ponchartrain Center. President of the event, Roger Villere, says the conference is put on every couple of years by the 15 southern states of the RNC and will feature many guest speakers over the course of two days.

Cut 7 (08) “…elections in Louisiana..”

Villere says both Republican candidates for the 2019 Governor’s race will be in attendance.

Cut 8 (08) “…Republican Leadership Conference.”

Villere says a number of young Republican leaders will also be on hand.

Cut 9 (11) “…an elected official.″

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Louisiana’s Speaker of the House Taylor Barras, for a third month in a row, has blocked the Revenue Estimating Conference from recognizing additional revenue for the state budget, despite suggestions from economists. Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne says the delay will prevent State Police from recruiting the next class of officers.

Cut 10 (10) “retiring troopers.”

The four member REC requires unanimous consent to adopt a revenue forecast that is used to create the state budget.

And he expressed concern that the decision would exacerbate a budding public health epidemic that is crippling small Louisiana towns.

Cut 11 (10) “…problems”

The stalemate could hurt Governor Edwards’ proposal to provide teachers with a pay raise next fiscal year.

But Barras says the state does not known enough about the upcoming year’s state economy to make an accurate projection yet, and last year is a good example of how unpredictable that process can be. He says the state was projected to face a budget deficit last year that ultimately was overstated.

Cut 12 (10) “…or adopt”

The .45 percent sales tax renewal raised 463 million dollars.

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State climatologist Barry Keim warns Louisiana residents to expect rapid changes in weather over the next few days. The first part of that rollercoaster starts today, where things may feel fine right now, but are set to take a drastic turn later tonight.

Cut 13 (11) “…rain.”

He says expect anywhere from half an inch to an inch and a half of rain, but there are some concerns that the system could spawn tornados, and even hail. Keim, for the most part, isn’t too concerned about widespread problems though.

Cut 14 (08) “…severe.”

And after all that nasty rain clears out, break out your heavy jackets…

Cut 15 (12) “…uncomfortable”

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In just his third season, quarterback Jared Goff has led the Rams to the NFC Championship game. Goff says he’s not trying to do anything different for this big game…

Cut 16 (19)  “…routinely”

Goff says communication in the huddle will be critical when it comes to combating the loud Superdome crowd…

 cut 17 (20)   “..they’re doing” 

The Rams put up 35 points in their trip to the Dome earlier this season, and Saints linebacker Demario Davis says it’s all on their incredible collection of talent. Surprisingly, he says Alvin Kamara may not be the best back in the league.

Cut 18 (15)   for us” 

He talked further about Todd Gurley, who he says may be the best running back, noting the former Bulldog has everything you could want…

Cut 19 (17)   “…a running back”

Louisiana has completed the process of issuing February food stamps early.

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”  

Federal regulators have ordered Entergy to pay back customers in Louisiana and other states 135 million dollars for over charges. Spokesperson Lee Sabatini says tens of millions of dollars from that settlement are on their way to the Bayou State.

Cut 10 (08) “…as well”

That breaks down to five dollars off your bill for three months.

There have been three announcements of job losses for the city of Zachary in East Baton Rouge over the last week. Thompson Pipe Group will close its manufacturing plant, which will affect 120 employees. Georgia Pacific is laying off 650 workers at its Port Hudson paper mill and BASF will close a chemical plant in Zachary that employs 54. Governor Edwards says there are other Baton Rouge area employers looking for workers…

Cut 7 (14) “…open there.”

A steel-covered walkway is being installed at the entrance of the state capitol to protect visitors from falling pieces of mortar from the 86-year-old building. Division of administration spokesperson Jacques Berry says  the state legislature will have to appropriate the 40 to 60-million dollars to repair the falling mortar, so in the meantime, a temporary covered walkway will protect those going through the capitol’s front doors

Cut 13 (07) “…like that.”

There have been three announcements of job losses for the city of Zachary in East Baton Rouge over the last week. Thompson Pipe Group will close its manufacturing plant, which will affect 120 employees. Georgia Pacific is laying off 650 workers at its Port Hudson paper mill and BASF will close a chemical plant in Zachary that employs 54. Governor Edwards says the state can help impacted workers
Cut 6 (10) “…to work.”

Federal regulators have ordered Entergy to pay back customers in Louisiana and other states 135 million dollars for over charges. Spokesperson Lee Sabatini says that means the average customer will see a few bucks knocked off their January, February, and March bill.  The refund is related to a suit that was filed by the Louisiana Public Service Commission in 2009, challenging a business deal made by Entergy Arkansas from 2000-2009.

Cut 11 (11) “…agreement”

A steel-covered walkway is being installed at the entrance of the state capitol to protect visitors from falling pieces of mortar from the 86-year-old building. Division of administration spokesperson Jacques Berry says the structural integrity of the capitol is good, unfortunately small pieces of the mortar are flaking off
Cut 12 (10)   “…again.”

According to Department of Children and Family Services, the 337,000 families that are receiving February benefits from the food stamps programs should have received them by now.  They arrived early due to the government shutdown. DCFS Deputy Assistant Secretary Sammy Guillory says it’s important for recipients to realize, these are not extra benefits.
Cut 15 (10) “…benefits in March.”

Entergy Louisiana’s one-million customers will receive a small refund credit on their January, February, and March bills.
Cut 9 (08) “of months″
That’s Entergy spokesperson Lee Sabatini, who says these refunds partially resolve an issue over how Entergy Arkansas accounted for power sales made more than 10 years ago.

Louisiana has distributed Febrary food stamps to 337-thousand households. The early issuance is due to the partial federal government shutdown and the department of children and family services is advising food stamp recipients to budget accordingly, because these are not extra benefits. Assistant Deputy Secretary Sammy Guillory says if you recently applied for food stamps, your application is still being processed…
cut 16 (08) “…into February”

An Alexandria Police office went through a scary moment while trying to issue a citation to a 51-year-old bicyclist. Corporal Wade Bourgeois says Vernon Holden became violent with the officer and took his TASER…
cut 4 (08) “….the officer”
Bourgeois says Holden also got a hold of the officer’s gun and put it to his head. He says after making threats, Holden fled and apprehended behind a shed. He faces numerous charges and the officer is okay.

The city of Zachary has been hit with three different companies in the last week announcing lay-offs at their facilities, meaning hundreds in East Baton Rouge will soon be out of a job. Governor John Bel Edwards says the state’s economy is strong and if you’ve been laid off, there are options…
cut 8 (10) “….that done”
IBM is hosting a career fair in Lafayette on Saturday from 9 AM to 2 PM at South Louisiana Community College.

Federal regulators have ordered Entergy to pay back customers in Louisiana and other states 135 million dollars for over charges. Spokesperson Lee Sabatini says tens of millions of dollars from that settlement are on their way to the Bayou State in the form of refunds.

Cut 10 (08) “…as well”

That average customer who uses 1,300 kilowatt hours a month will see about five bucks taken off their bill in the form of a fuel credit.

There have been three announcements of job losses for the city of Zachary in East Baton Rouge over the last week. Thompson Pipe Group will close its manufacturing plant, which will affect 120 employees. Georgia Pacific is laying off 650 workers at its Port Hudson paper mill and BASF will close a chemical plant in Zachary that employs 54. Governor Edwards says other Baton Rouge area employers are looking for workers…

Cut 7 (14) “…open there.”

Louisiana has completed the process of issuing February food stamps a couple of weeks early. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”  

A steel-covered walkway is being installed at the entrance of the state capitol to protect visitors from falling pieces of mortar from the 86-year-old building. Division of administration spokesperson Jacques Berry says  the state legislature will have to appropriate the 40 to 60-million dollars to repair the falling mortar, and in the meantime…

Cut 13 (07) “…like that.”

Louisiana and New Orleans Entergy customers will see a few bucks knocked off their bills for the next few months…
Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

A pedestrian is dead following a hit & run in St. Landry Parish. Shortly before 10PM last night, state police were notified of the crash that claimed the life of 51-year-old David Sonnier of Arnaudville.  It appears Sonnier was walking on or near LA 182 when he was struck by two vehicles, with both fleeing the scene. Troopers say it is unknown if impairment played a role at this time, but toxicology tests are pending.

A steel-covered walkway is being installed at the entrance of the state capitol to protect visitors from falling pieces of mortar from the 86-year-old building. Division of administration spokesperson Jacques Berry says the structural integrity of the capitol is good, unfortunately small pieces of the mortar are flaking off
Cut 12 (10)   “…again.”
According to Department of Children and Family Services, the 337,000 families that are receiving February benefits from the food stamps programs should have received them by now.  They arrived early due to the government shutdown. DCFS Deputy Assistant Secretary Sammy Guillory says it’s important for recipients to realize, these are not extra benefits.
Cut 15 (10) “…benefits in March.”

Guillory says new applications are being processed as usual in accordance with the agency’s normal standard until they are told otherwise.

State representative Katrina Jackson, a democrat from Monroe, will speak tomorrow at the National March for Life Rally in Washington D.C. Jackson authored a 2014 law that required abortion clinics to have admitting privileges at a local hospital to operate. Jackson says their aim is the eventual reversal of the Supreme Court case that legalized abortion.
Cut 14 (10) “…women’s health.”
Thousands are expected to be in attendance for the 46th annual march.

The city of Zachary has been hit with three different companies in the last week announcing lay-offs at their facilities, meaning hundreds in East Baton Rouge will soon be out of a job. Governor John Bel Edwards says the state’s economy is strong and if you’ve been laid off, there are options…
cut 8 (10) “….that done”

A 51-year-old bicyclist allegedly assaulted an Alexandria Police officer with the officer’s own TASER, then held a gun to that officer’s head after being stopped for a traffic violation. Corporal Wade Bourgeois says the violent confrontation began when the officer tried to issue a routine citation…
Cut 3 (12) “…confrontation.”
Bourgeois says after making threats against the officer, Vernon Holden fled and was later apprehended behind a shed.

A military jury has convicted Barksdale Air Force airman Isaiah Edwards in the fatal stabbing of his roommate during a deployment to Guam last year. Edwards will be sentenced this afternoon and faces a life sentence. Edwards tried to claim he killed 20-year-old Bradley Hale in self defense.