The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries agent who was shot multiple times in Morehouse Parish is in stable condition. State Police Col. Mike Edmonson says it’s a miracle that 25-year-old Tyler Wheeler is doing so well, after being shot in the head, neck, and arm early Saturday morning…:
Cut 9 (11) “in control”
31-year-old Amethyst Baird of Monroe is charged with the crime, but Edmonson says there are still a lot of unknowns.

Governor John Bel Edwards announces he plans to go back to Washington in February to secure more federal funds for flood recovery. He says the already approved more than $1.5 billion is great, but does not cover flood victims who had flood insurance…:
CUT 4 (09) “housing recovery alone”
He says Louisiana is still $2 billion short for a full, robust recovery.

The Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office says two people are behind bars amid allegations children in their care tested positive for drugs. Captain Tommy Carnline says the complaint originally came in from the Department of Children and Family Services in regards in a November incident..:
CUT 12 (10) “for the parents”
Carnline says 19-year-old Stephan Deshon Matthews and 22-year-old Katie Meshell Bordelon each face 2nd degree cruelty to juveniles.

Did you know that the tradition of filling king cakes with fruits or cream cheese is out of Mississippi?…:
CUT 27 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

Law enforcement and other officials from around the state gave an update today on the shooting and injuring of LDWF Senior Agent Tyler Wheeler. The incident happened around 2am on Saturday in Morehouse, and charged with allegedly shooting Wheeler multiple times is 31-year-old Amethyst Baird of Monroe, LA. LDWF Captain Rick Owens says they do not know how Wheeler came in contact with the suspect…:
CUT 26 (09) “any call”
Wheeler is listed in stable condition at University Health in Shreveport.

Today, Covington Representative John Schroder announced his candidacy for state treasurer – the spot now up for grabs as John Kennedy heads to serve as our US Senator. Political Analyst Clancy Dubos says this race is wide open and it’s hard to predict the direction it will take…:
Cut 8 (07) “be a front runner”
The special election to replace Kennedy won’t occur until October.

Governor John Bel Edwards is heading back to Washington next month to seek more federal assistance for Louisiana’s flood recovery. Halen Doughty has more…:
CUT 1 (31) “I’m Halen Doughty”

AAA says the national average price for gas has increased to the highest level since June, but Louisiana is still listed on the top 10 of cheapest markets in the country this week. The statewide average stands at $2.18, up over 12 cents from the prior month.

Governor John Bel Edwards says he’s going to go back to Washington in February to continue efforts to get more flood aid to Louisiana for the devastating March and August 2016 events. Edwards says helping homeowners isn’t the only flood recovery need in the state…:
Cut 5 (11) “to Congress”
So far, Congress has allocated $1.6 billion for Louisiana’s flood recovery.

We just got over a historic election cycle, but there is another big race kicking off in Louisiana for state treasurer as John Kennedy exits for US Senate. Today, Covington Representative John Schroder announced his candidacy for the job. Political Analyst Clancy Dubos says the Republican lawmaker is likely the first of many to get into this race:
CUT 6 (11) “fiscal posture”

The Transportation Task Force put together by the governor releases its final report and it calls for $700 million more a year to improve roads and bridges. Don Molino has more…:
Cut 2 (29) “I’m Don Molino”

Governor Edwards is in Ouachita Parish at this hour taking part in a news conference on the shooting and injuring of LDWF Senior Agent Tyler Wheeler. An arrest has been made in connection with the Saturday Morehouse incident; 31-year-old Amethyst Baird of Monroe is charged with Attempted First Degree Murder. Wheeler is listed in stable condition.

Governor John Bel Edwards has sent a letter to Congress urging national federal lawmakers to keep Medicaid Expansion as they consider health care reform. Edwards says in the last six months, nearly 375-thousand Louisianans have gained health care coverage, because of the expansion of Medicaid. But Republican U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy is concerned about the cost…
Cut 13 (09) “deductible”

Governor Edwards Transportation Task Force recommends the state needs to spend an additional 700-million dollars to significantly improve our roads. State Transportation Secretary Shawn Wilson anticipates there will be a proposal to increase the gasoline tax, plus policy reforms…
cut 11 (11) “…the country”

Governor John Bel Edwards says he’ll go back to Washington in February to secure more federal funds for flood recovery. He says since the August flood, he has visited Washington 5 times to advocate for flood recovery dollars, but Louisiana is still $2 billion short from a full, robust recovery.
Cut 3 (12) “recovery efforts”
Edwards is optimistic the Trump administration will support Louisiana’s efforts.

Did you know that the tradition of filling king cakes with fruits or cream cheese started at Paul’s Pastry Shop in Picayune, Mississippi in 1972? Owner Sherri Thigpen says in fact, their idea was not recognized at first as an official “King Cake” by bakery organiziations because of the fillings…
cut 6 (10) “…about everything’

Gov. John Bel Edwards’ task force on transportation releases its final report on how best to overhaul the state’s roads and bridges. DOTD Secretary Shawn Wilson says Louisiana needs to invest $700 million dollars more a year into transportation; and how to make that happen will surely spark lengthy discussions…:
CUT 12 (09) “conditions”
He says recommendations on how to come up with the extra revenue have included a gas tax increase; among other things.

Two Monroe residents are in custody after authorities say one allegedly shot and injured a Wildlife and Fisheries agent, while another assisted. Senior Agent Tyler Wheeler was conducting a vehicle stop in Morehouse Parish, when he was shot several times in the line of duty, allegedly by 31-year-old Amethyst Baird who’s been charged with the crime. Wheeler is in stable condition.

Governor John Bel Edwards sent a letter to Congress urging federal lawmakers not to repeal the Affordable Care Act. Halen Doughty has more:
Cut 3 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

King Cake season is in full swing, and a lot of people don’t know that the filled Mardi Gras pastry is actually a Mississippi tradition. It all started with Paul’s Pastry Shop out of Picayune in 1972. Sherri Thigpen is the current owner and says they had some learning to do…:
cut 4 (10) “dough recipe”

The Affordable Care Act debate rages on. US Senator Bill Cassidy has a proposal before Congress that would let states choose whether or not to keep Obamacare…:
cut 14 (10) “other states”
Louisiana Department of Health Secretary Rebekah Gee admits ACA premiums are high, but she is adamant that the Medicaid expansion has been a godsend…:
Cut 15 (08) “gotten care”
Governor John Bel Edwards has sent a letter to Congress urging national leaders not to repeal the Affordable Care Act.

State law enforcement officials are holding a news conference this morning to discuss the shooting and injuring of LDWF Senior Agent Tyler Wheeler; and the collaborate efforts from multiple agencies. Wheeler was shot multiple times allegedly by 31-year-old Amethyst Baird of Monroe who is charged with Attempted First Degree Murder of a Police Officer.

King Cake season is in full swing, and a lot of people don’t know that the filled Mardi Gras pastry is actually a Mississippi tradition. Jeff Palermo reports…:
CUT 1 (29) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

Northeast Louisiana could have some good economic news on the horizon as Monroe is a top contender for a new Graphic Packaging facility. Senior Manager of Corporate Communications, Sue Appleyard, says She says they’re excited about the possibility of bringing this new state of the art facility to Ouachita Parish…:
Cut 9 (07) “stay there”

The Transportation Task Force put together by the governor releases its final report and it calls for $700 million more a year to improve roads and bridges. Don Molino has more…
Cut 2 (29) “I’m Don Molino”

A man and a woman have been arrested in connection with the shooting and injuring of Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Senior Agent Tyler Wheeler early Saturday morning in Morehouse Parish. 31-year-old Amethyst Baird of Monroe is charged with one count of Attempted 1st Degree Murder of a Police Officer. 34-year-old Jeremy Gullette of Monroe is charged with one count of Accessory After the Fact. Wheeler is in stable condition.

Monroe is a top contender for a new Graphic Packaging facility. Senior Manager of Corporate Communications, Sue Appleyard, says while they are still looking at other potential locations, the company reached a conceptual agreement with the local union to build the facility in northeast Louisiana..:
CUT 7 (08) “works out”
Appleyard says this new 70-million facility will be Graphic Packaging’s first brand new plant in 10 years.

A lot of people don’t know that the filled king cake is actually a Mississippi Carnival tradition. Paul’s Pastry Shop owner Sherri Thigpen says their Picayune shop was already known for making birthday cakes, wedding cakes and even cheese breads that were filled, so they developed a similar recipe for the king cakes…:
Cut 5 (11) “over cream cheese”
She says to her knowledge they offer the largest selection of king cake flavors in the nation.

Governor John Bel Edwards has sent a letter to Congress urging national leaders not to repeal the Affordable Care Act. But US Senator Bill Cassidy says under Obamacare, premiums and deductibles cost thousands of dollars which is anything but affordable…:
Cut 13 (09) “deductible”
Louisiana Department of Health Secretary Dr. Rebekah Gee says repealing the ACA without a replacement would have drastic consequences for Louisiana…:
Cut 16 (08) “goes up”

Governor Edwards will travel to Ouachita Parish today to take part in a news conference on the shooting and injuring of LDWF Senior Agent Tyler Wheeler. An arrest has been made in connection with the Saturday Morehouse incident; 31-year-old Amethyst Baird of Monroe is charged with Attempted First Degree Murder. Wheeler is listed in stable condition.

The Transportation Task Force has released their final report on how to improve the state’s infrastructure. DOTD Secretary Shawn Wilson says Louisiana needs to increase its investment in transportation by $700 million a year….:
Cut 10 (09) “commercial vehicles”
Wilson says they’re also looking into tolls and public-private partnerships as a means of funding.

55 new traffic cameras are being activated in New Orleans today, aimed at catching drivers speeding in school zones, according to Mayor Mitch Landrieu. He says the revenue generated from the cameras are not the point of them, and that it’s all about safety.

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries says one of their agents was shot multiple times in Morehouse Parish early this morning. Officials say 25-year-old Tyler Wheeler of Monroe performed a vehicle stop on Highway 165 when he was shot. Another agent reportedly arrived on scene after the shooting, and EMS was dispatched to the scene. Wheeler was airlifted to LSU Health Shreveport, and the extent of his injuries is unknown. Authorities are looking for the shooting suspect.

LSU All-American Safety Jamal Adams announces he’s skipping his senior season and entering the NFL draft. Before Adams left to go train for the draft, he thanked the LSU fans for pushing him.

Cut 16 (12) “Geaux tigers”

Wind chill advisories are in effect for much of the state today, as cold Canadian air has settled over the Bayou State. Daniel Manning with the National Weather Service in Slidell says other advisories are also in effect. She advises people to monitor the advisories, as some expired warnings will be issued again later today.

Cut 23 (10) “…temperatures tonight”

Many Louisiana residents will be staying indoors this weekend to avoid the freezing temperatures outside. State Fire Marshal Butch Browning urges people to use caution when heating their homes. He says people should never use a stove or oven as a heater.

Cut 24 (07) “…cause fires”

A Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries agent was shot multiple times early this morning, according to LDWF. Officials say the shooting occurred when 25-year-old Tyler Wheeler of Monroe performed a vehicle stop on Highway 165 in Morehouse Parish. Another agent was reportedly nearby and arrived on scene shortly after the shooting, and EMS was immediately dispatched to the scene. Wheeler was airlifted to LSU Health Shreveport Trauma Center for treatment, and the extent of his injuries is unknown. Authorities say the search is on for the shooting suspect.

Governor John Bel Edwards says the state has sent the plan for spending the first round of federal flood recovery aid to the feds for approval. He says state officials had to wait for HUD to outline how the money could be spent before it devised its plan. But he hopes spending the second round of aid won’t take so much time.

Cut 23 (08) “…federal register”

Edwards says he is also heading back to Washington to seek additional federal assistance.

Many Louisiana residents may not know how to respond to the cold temperatures we’re experiencing around the state. Mario Valverde with the National Weather Service says one of the biggest dangers will be the roadways because freezing rain and sleet rained down over much of the Bayou State yesterday.

Cut 24 (07) “…use caution”

Valverde advises people to stay off the roadways if possible.

One way to avoid the freezing temperatures outside is to stay indoors. State Fire Marshal Butch Browning says people also need to take caution when heating their homes. He says portable space heaters should never be left unattended.

Cut 21 (08) “…of danger”

Browning says people should keep at least three feet of open space around portable heaters.