A lot of people showed up to work wearing a Saints jersey today as the Black and Gold are on the cusp of reaching the Super Bowl for only the second time in franchise history. Governor John Bel Edwards was at last week’s 20-14 come from behind playoff win over the Eagles and he’ll be there again on Sunday…
cut 3 (09) “…28 to nothing”

In West Monroe, there’s a group of people who will be rooting for Los Angeles That’s because former West Monroe and LSU star Andrew Whitworth plays left tackle for the Rams. In his 13th NFL season, he finally won his first playoff game last week and doesn’t want to stop now…
cut 5 (11) “…get there”
Kick-off on Sunday is at 2:05.

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 Louisiana Lottery says no one has stepped forward to claim a one-million dollar Powerball ticket that was purchased in August at Ideal mart in New Orleans. Louisiana Lottery spokesperson Dustin Annison says the ticket will expire on February 21st. Annison says unclaimed prizes happen from time to time, but one of this mangitude is rare…
cut 7 (06) “….the bigger ones”
If you are the owner of this ticket from the August 25th drawing, you can claim your prize one of the Lottery’s five regional offices or at their headquarters building in Baton Rouge.

Now may be a good time to check old lottery tickets you’ve been in possession of.  No one has stepped forward to claim a Powerball ticket worth one million dollars that is getting close to expiration.  The winning ticket matched up the five white balls of the drawing on August 25, 2018. Louisiana Lottery spokesperson Dustin Annison says the ticket was sold in New Orleans.
Cut 6 (07) “…come visit us.”

Former West Monroe High, LSU and now Ram offensive lineman Andrew Whitworth is looking forward to returning to the scene of some of his greatest athletic triumphs Sunday against the Saints. Whitworth made frequent trips to the dome during high school with a dominant Rebels team, along with a visit in 2003 under Saban’s Purple and Gold…
Cut 3 (12) “…championship.”

The 37-year-old was born and raised in Monroe.

House Republican leadership continues to block a recommendation to increase the amount of money the state has available to spend. Matt Doyle has more on the lack of inaction from the Revenue Estimating Conference…
voicer 3 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”
Here’s a look at your commodities.

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 for southeast Louisiana tomorrow. It will turn colder on Saturday too.

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 has voted against raising revenue projections and prefers to wait, 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 accuses Barras of playing politics.

The Southern Republican Leadership Conference is underway at the Ponchartrain Center in Kenner. State GOP leaders it’s the official kick-off in their effort to beat Democratic Governor John Bel Edwards in this year’s governor’s race.

And in Baton Rouge, over two-thousand runners will participate in the Louisiana Marathon. Governor Edwards will run in a 5-K marathon tomorrow.

It’s a warm morning, but strong storms are expected to arrive later today in north and central Louisiana. State Climatologist Barry Keim…
cut 14 (08) “…severe ”
Strong storms are possible in southeast Louisiana on Saturday morning and once the rain moves out, the cold air will move in as we’ll see low temperatures drop below freezing on Sunday and Monday morning for a good portion of the state.

The two-day Southern Republican Leadership Conference is underway at the Ponthartrain Center in Kenner. President of the event, Roger Villere, says the theme is…
cut 29 (07) “…in Louisiana”
Villere says Republicans Ralph Abraham and Eddie Rispone are expected to attend. They are seeking to defeat Governor John Bel Edwards. Villere says there will also be workshops to help Republicans who plan to run for seats in the state legislature.

It’s a Black and Gold Friday and Saints fans are confident in a victory over the Rams in Sunday’s NFC championship game…
voicer 1 (33) “…Super Bowl”

Saints Coach Sean Payton is asking fans to bring the noise, but Rams wide receiver Robert Woods is not concerned…
cut 30 (12) “…an impact”
Kick off Sunday is at 2:05.

House Republican leadership continues to block a recommendation to increase the amount of money the state has available to spend. Matt Doyle has more on the lack of inaction from the Revenue Estimating Conference…
voicer 3 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

Morehouse Sheriff deputies have arrested three men and charged them with first-degree murder in the death of 85-year-old William Wyatt Smith, who was found dead Thursday. One of the suspects is Smiths’ grandson, 29-year-old Trent Scott Little.

Hundreds of Republicans will gather for the Southern Republican Leadership Conference that begins today at the Pontchartrain Center in Kenner….
cut 7 (08) “…elections in Louisiana”
That’s the past chairman of the Louisiana Republican Party, Roger Villere, who says the two announced GOP gubernatorial candidates will attend and so will Republicans looking to get elected to serve political offices at all levels of government and there will be training seminars for them.

The Saints are three point favorites to beat the Rams on Sunday in the NFC title game. Louis from New Orleans is preciting a high scoring game and hopes the Black and Gold will play the Chiefs in the Super Bowl…
cut 6 (08) “…more exciting matchup”
Saints Coach Sean Payton is asking the fans to bring the noise for Sunday’s NFC Title game.

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.”

____________________________

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

Cut 2 (31) “…the Super Bowl.”  

_______________________________

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

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

__________________________________

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.”

___________________________________________________

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.″

_________________________________

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.

________________________

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”

______________________________________

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.”