At this hour the Revenue Estimating Conference is meeting and they’ll determine the size of the midyear budget shortfall. Governor John Bel Edwards says the size of the deficit will determine if a special session is needed…:
Cut 13 (12) “extremely painful”
But Appropriations Chairman Cameron Henry says if the deficit is not too large, he believes the governor can make the necessary budget cuts on his own…:
Cut 15 (11) “as well”

Later today, Governor Edwards along with a delegation from Louisiana that includes State Police Superintendent Colonel Mike Edmonson will travel to Italy to discuss human trafficking with the Hospitaler Sisters of Mercy, which has a shelter in Louisiana for juvenile victims of human trafficking.

In the past week, Louisiana has seen an increase in the number of flu cases. That’s according to Medical Director state of the Immunization Program Dr. Frank Welch who says four out of every 100 people who visit the doctor have the flu. He says if you got a flu shot, you should be protected…:
cut 4 (10) “this year”
Welch says it’s rare, but if you do contract the flu virus after getting a shot, it’s usually a very mild case.

A 44-year-old north Louisiana man is behind bars facing a murder charge after Shreveport police say he was responsible for the death of an 11-month-old boy. Corporal Marcus Hines says Frederick Clark was initally charged with second-degree curelty to a juvenile…
cut 10 (10) “…the child off”
That child, Mar’sharrd Ross, passed away earlier this week and the charges against Clark were upgraded to second-degree murder.

Could lawmakers be looking at another special session in 2017? We’ll learn more today as the Revenue Estimating Conference meets to give a closer look at what some say is expected to be a grim budget picture.

This morning Governor John Bel Edwards is on hand for a presentation of a donation by A&T in support of the Jobs for America’s Graduates program in Louisiana. It’s a non-profit initiative that officials say has helped more than a million people around the nation facing difficult challenges earn a high school or college degree.

Later, the governor along with St. Police Col Mike Edmonson will travel to Rome for conversations about the human trafficking epidemic, and personally meet on the matter with Pope Francis.

Despite crazy weather conditions, it looks to be about an average crawfish season. And prices are expending to go down as we get farther into the season depending on supply and demand…:
CUT 9 (08) “Louisiana crawfish”
That’s LSU AgCenter Aquaculture Specialist Mark Shirley.

The flu season is in full force as about 4% of folks going to the doctor right now are diagnosed with the virus. Dr. Frank Welch is not only recommending folks get the flu shot, but the elderly should also consider the pneumonia vaccine…:
CUT 6 (09) “shot”

A Shreveport man is still in jail amid accusations he caused the death of an 11-month old. Halen Doughty reports the latest:
Cut 2 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

The Revenue Estimating Conference meets today and is slated to reveal Louisiana’s budget picture; and that’ll likely tell us whether Governor John Bel Edwards will call another special session. The governor says if the shortfall is greater than $300 million, it’ll likely happen, even if lawmakers take $119 million from the rainy day fund…:
CUT 14 (09) “special session”
But Appropriations Chairman Cameron Henry says there’s not an appetite at the Capitol to raise any more revenue, but they do have a plan..:
Cut 16 (08) “at this point”
He is confident the governor can make the necessary budget cuts on his own.

Today Edwards, along with a delegation that includes State Police Superintendent Col. Mike Edmonson and state legislators, will travel to Italy to discuss human trafficking as Louisiana takes a leading role in fighting this epidemic.

Flu cases are on the rise as four out of every 100 people visiting the doctor in Louisiana is diagnosed with Influenza. Emelie Gunn has more:
CUT 1 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

A Shreveport man is behind bars in connection with the death of an 11-month old. Corporal Marcus Hines says the suspect is 44-year-old Frederick Clark and he remains in jail on a hefty bond…:
Cut 12 (09) “the child died”
He says the child was allegedly in the care of Clark when the baby sustained fatal injuries.

The Revenue Estimating Conference meets today, and their findings could determine whether or not Governor John Bel Edwards will call another special session. Halen Doughty has more…:

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”
This morning the governor will join AT&T as they present a donation in support of the Jobs for America’s Graduates program in Louisiana.

Flood victims who are still living in hotels won’t have to move out until February 20th as FEMA has once again extended the deadline.

Even after a crazy year of weather in 2016, the crawfish crop seems to be doing just fine. LSU AgCenter Aquaculture Specialist Mark Shirley says the sizes of the mudbugs vary but the harvest is coming along fairly well. He says even though we aren’t seeing as great of a crop as last year, we’re still on par with the long term average…:
CUT 7 (07) “to enjoy”
Shirley says since it’s early in the season, the price for mudbugs will
but will drop later depending on supply and demand.

You’re likely starting to see more of your friends, family and co-workers coming down with the flu, as the state says every 100 people who visit the doctor have the virus. Immunization Medical Director Dr. Frank Welch says if higher risk people catch the flu, it could be dangerous.:
Cut 5 (10) “disability”
Welch those in their mid-20-year-olds are most frequently being diagnosed with the flu.

We’ll get better idea today whether or not Governor John Bel Edwards intends to call another special session to address looming budget shortfalls. The Revenue Estimating Conference meets today and the panel will determine the exact gravity of the situation. Edwards says the size of the deficit will determine if a special session is needed…:
Cut 13 (12) “extremely painful”
But Appropriations Chairman Cameron Henry says he is confident the governor can make the necessary budget cuts on his own…:
Cut 15 (11) “as well”

State Senator Troy Brown has said in the past he’d refuse to step down amid allegations he abused his wife in the second arrest in as many months on charges of domestic abuse; and subsequent no contest plea. The Senate itself can vote and decide whether or not to remove the Napoleonville lawmaker.

In the past week, Louisiana has seen an increase in the number of flu cases. That’s according to Medical Director state Immunization Program Dr. Frank Welch who says four out of every 100 people who visit the doctor have the flu. He says if you got the flu shot, you should be protected…:
cut 4 (10) “this year”
Welch says it’s rare, but if you do contract the flu virus after getting a shot, it’s usually a very mild case.

Six corrections officers at the prison in St. Gabriel have been placed on administrative leave by the Louisiana Department of Public Safety amid allegations of excessive forced used against an inmate. The St. Gabriel Police Department will investigate the case.

So what’s next for Napoleonville Senator Troy Brown now that he’s gotten jail time amid allegations he abused his wife? Michelle Southern reports…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

A Shreveport man is behind bars facing a murder charge after police say an 11-year-old boy sustained fatal injuries in his care. Marcus Hines with Shreveport Police says 44-year-old Frederick Clark was caring for Mar’sharrd Ross when the child allegedly sustained injuries that caused him to quit breathing.

Louisiana has received 18-million dollars as part of a 4.3 billion dollar Volkswagen settlement in which the car maker admitted to cheating on air emissions tests. DEQ Secretary Chuck Brown says they may use that money to replace diesel engines in school buses with engines that burn cleaner fuels…

Cut 12 (12) “dollar range”

The money has to be used on an environmental friendly project.

During the governor’s monthly call-in show, John Bel Edwards received a couple of calls asking him not to raise taxes to solve the state’s budget problems. Edwards responded by saying he’s taking a balanced approach to resolving Louisiana’s fiscal issues…

Cut 9 (12) “pursuing both”

Another special session could be called next month to address a 300-million dollar shortfall for this fiscal year.

During his monthly call-in radio show, Governor John Bel Edwards defended the decision to raise taxes in the last legislative session. He says cutting the budget sounds easy, but it’s painful for the agencies and the people they serve.

Cut 8 (11) “…deliver education”

Edwards says there isn’t an overnight fix for the state’s budget problems.

Some state lawmakers are calling for Napoleonville Senator Troy Brown to resign after being convicted of his second domestic violence charge in four months. Senate President John Alario says Brown was suspended from serving on committees when he was arrested in July.

Cut 14 (09) “to take”

Governor Edwards called for Brown to resign after the arrest, but Brown said he has no plans to leave office.

A public hearing will be held tonight in Baton Rouge to discuss the proposed Bayou Bridge Pipeline, which would run from Calcasieu to St. James parish. Director of the Bucket Brigade, Anne Rolfes, says craw fisherman are concerned this will hurt their business.

Cut 3 (09) “the water”

But Acting President for the Louisiana Oil and Gas Association Gifford Briggs says the pipeline will bring more jobs to Louisiana.

The Bayou State will receive $18 million from a Volkswagen settlement after the company admitted to cheating on air emissions tests. Department of Environmental Quality Secretary Chuck Brown says the money has to be used to clean up the air, which is why they’re considering replacing diesel engines in some state owned vehicles.

Cut 11 (12) “their ferries”

Some state lawmakers are calling for Napoleonville Senator Troy Brown to resign immediately after he entered a plea of no contest to domestic violence charges. Senate President John Alario says the Senate has the power to remove Brown from office…:
Cut 13 (07) “would decide”
Brown has said he has no plans to resign.

During his monthly call-in radio show, Governor John Bel Edwards defends himself amid questions about whether he’s pushing higher taxes to solve the state’s budget problems. Edwards says while lawmakers raised $1.5 billion in taxes during last year’s sessions, they also cut $850 million from the state budget…:
CUT 7 (09) “to do it”
Edwards adds more cuts are coming and possibly another special session to resolve a looming $300 million shortfall.

A public hearing is slated for tonight in Baton Rouge to discuss the proposed Bayou Bridge Pipeline which would go through 11 South Louisiana parishes…
CUT 1 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

A state judge has denied bond for the two individuals arrested in connection with the shooting of state Wildlife and Fisheries Agent Tyler Wheeler. The judge says Amethyst Baird and Jeremy Gullette are a risk to flee and both pose an imminent danger to the community. Wheeler was shot five times last weekend and at last report was responding well to treatment.

So what’s next for Napoleonville Senator Troy Brown now that he’s received a 30-day sentence for abusing his wife? Michelle Southern reports.
Voicer 2 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

The Director of the Louisiana State Police Commission has resigned. Cathy Derbonne submitted her resignation this morning amid speculation she may get fired because of controversial political contributions made by former board emmbers. Derbonne served at that post for eight years.

Louisiana will receive about $18 million as a result of a $4.3 billion Volkswagen settlement, after the company pleaded guilty to cheating on air emissions tests. Department of Environmental Quality Secretary Chuck Brown says the money has to be used a certain way..:
Cut 10 (11) “tugs and ferries”
Brown says he’s leaning towards replacing diesel engines in school buses with engines that burn cleaner fuel.

A public hearing takes place tonight regarding a proposed pipeline that would be built across south Louisiana. Environmental groups oppose it, but acting president for the Louisiana Oil and Gas Association Gifford Briggs says pipelines are safe and create jobs….
cut 4 (10) “…gas industry”
The US Army Corps of Engineers will determine if the project goes forward.

New Orleans Representative Helena Moreno is calling for the resignation of state senator Troy Brown, who yesterday plead no contest to a domestic abuse charge involving his wife. Senate President John Alario says Brown has been suspended from sitting on any committee, since he was arrested…
cut 14 (09) “…to take
Alario says the Senate does have the power to remove Brown from office, but he’s not sure if the upper chamber is ready to take that step.

Environmental groups are expected to make their presence known at a public hearing tonight in Baton Rouge that will discuss a proposed 670-million dollar oil pipeline that would span 11 parishes from Calcaciseu to St. James. Director of the Bucket Brigade, Anne Rolfes, says pipelines are known to leak…
cut 5 (07) “….response center”
But supporters of the project say pipelines are safer to transport oil than trucks or rail.

Louisiana has received 18-million dollars as part of a 4.3 billion dollar Volkswagen settlement in which the car maker admitted to cheating on air emissions tests. DEQ Secretary Chuck Brown says they may use that money to replace diesel engines in school buses with engines that burn cleaner fuels…
cut 12 (12) “….dollar range”
The money has to be used on an environmental friendly project.

During the governor’s monthly call-in show, John Bel Edwards received a couple of calls asking him not to raise taxes to solve the state’s budget problems. Edwards responded by saying he’s taking a balanced approach to resolving Louisiana’s fiscal issues…
cut 9 (12) “….purusing both”
Another special session could be called next month to address a 300-million dollar shortfall for this fiscal year.