Governor John Bel Edwards executive order protecting the rights of LGBT individuals who work for the state or are employed with a business that has a contract with the state has been thrown out by a state judge in Baton rouge. Attorney General Jeff Landry has said the order exceeds the governor’s authority and Judge Todd Hernandez agreed. Sean Sullivan with Forum for Equality Foundation, says unfortunately these kinds of protections are necessary…
cut 9 (08) “…and socially”
Governor Edwards says he plans to appeal today’s ruling.

LSU introduced Matt Canada as it’s new offensive coordinator today. Tiger Rag Associate Editor James Moran says it appears to be a good hire…
cut 10 (10) “…he’s been”
Canada says he will stay with his current employer, Pitt, through their bowl game.

LSU System President F King Alexander is not painting a rosy picture of the school’s future with the potential for more budget cuts to be handed down. The state’s budget problems have forced TOPS students in the upcoming semester to pay roughly 60-percent of their tuition. Alexander says enrollment is down 3.5 percent for the next semester compared to the previous spring…
cut 14 (11) “….our institution”
Higher education leaders are requesting a 189-million dollar increase in state aid.

The tables turned on a robbery suspect in Shreveport when a 71-year-old shop owner took matters into his own hands. Cpl. Marcus Hines with Shreveport Police says 36-year-old Michael Kelly allegedly stole the victim’s wallet at the store then attacked him…:
Cut 15 (07) “multiple times”
Following his release from the hospital, Kelly will be booked into jail on many charges.

A Baton Rouge judge has ruled Governor John Bel Edwards executive order that protects L-G-B-T individuals from discrimination is unconstitutional. Attorney General Jeff Landry has questioned the legality of the L-G-B-T rights order, because the legislature did not approve it…
cut 7 (07) “…create it”
Governor Edwards says the executive order is necessary in order to show that the state doesn’t discriminate and he plans to appeal.

Not only is Alabama beating LSU on the football field, but they are also doing a better job in hiring professors. That’s what LSU System president F King Alexander told a legislative committee earlier today….
cut 13 (07) “…football coaches’
Alexander says the University of Alabama is in the process of hiring 300 new teachers, while LSU has lost over 500 in the past nine years and he pleaded with lawmakers to make more of a state investment in higher education.

Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser wants to boost international travel throughout Louisiana. Don Molino has more…
CUT 1 (28) “I’m Don Molino”

LSU made it official today by naming Matt Canada as the Tigers new offensive coordinator. Tiger Rag Associate Editor James Moran believes it’s a good hire and it gives LSU two young and talented coordinators, Canada and defensive coordinator Dave Aranda….
cut 11 (09) “…versatility”

Governor John Bel Edwards’ executive order preventing LGBT discrimination in state government and businesses who have contracts with the state has been overturned. Attorney General Jeff Landry says he applauds Judge Todd Hernandez’ ruling. He says at the end of the day, this case was about the governor trying to create his own law….
cut 6 (11) “…the process”
Sean Sullivan with Forum for Equality Foundation, says this ruling is another setback for the LGBT community. But he says they are confident the Governor’s Office will continue to fight to move these protections forward….
cut 8 (09) “…the state”
And in a statement, the governor says he plans to appeal, because he continues to believe that discrimination is not a Louisiana value.

LSU President F. King Alexander expresses his concerns to legislators about future budget cuts to higher ed. Emelie Gunn has more…
voicer 2 (31) “…I’m Emelie Gunn”

Shreveport police say a 71-year-old shop owner shot an individual who attempted to rob him and his business. Corporal Marcus Hines says the suspect, 36-year-old Michael Kelly, was shot three times…
cut 16 (10) “…minor injuries”
Kelly faces a laundry list of charges, including armed robbery.

A judge has thrown out Governor John Bel Edward’s executive order aimed at protecting the rights of LGBT people in government, and the story is making national headlines. The judge agreed with Attorney General Jeff Landry in a suit stating that the order was outside of what the governor was allowed to do under the constitution. Edwards says they plan to appeal.

LSU President F. King Alexander went before the House Appropriations Committee and expressed his concerns over the school’s possible 16th budget cut in nine years. Alexander says they can’t be much more efficient when LSU is already 46 out of 50 flagship universities in per student spending. He says at some point the state needs to invest in the next generation of students…:
cut 12 (11) “they have”
The state’s budget problems have forced TOPS students in the upcoming semester to pay over 50-percent of their tuition.

The National Federation for Independent Business says small business optimism is through the roof since last month’s election. Emelie Gunn has more…:
CUT 1 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

The tables turned on a robbery suspect in Shreveport when a 71-year-old shop owner took matters into his own hands. Cpl. Marcus Hines with Shreveport Police says 36-year-old Michael Kelly allegedly stole the victim’s wallet at the store then attacked him…:
Cut 15 (07) “multiple times”
Following his release from the hospital, Kelly will be booked into jail on many charges.

Governor John Bel Edwards Executive Order which contains certain protections for members of the LGBT community contracting for state work has been ruled unconstitutional. It’s a victory for Attorney General Jeff Landry who sued because he felt the order was overreach. The ruling said the governor cannot act outside the scope of his authority with executive orders. Governor Edwards says they plan to appeal.

More people outside the country are visiting Louisiana than ever and Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser expects that growth to continue. His office is now promoting 17 scenic byways to encourage international travelers to see more of The Bayou State than just the big cities…:
CUT 4 (09) “by tourists”
He says last year Louisiana was second for growth in international travel.

The search for a new offensive coordinator at LSU is over. The Tigers are slated to announce Matt Canada out of Pitt as the new man for the job at this hour. Under Canada, the 2016 Panther offense scored 76 points in a win over Syracuse to cap the regular season and Pitt also beat Big 10 champion Penn State. Tiger Rag Associate Editor James Moran says this is a good hire…:
CUT 10 (12) “good fit”
Canada’s deal is pending approval from the LSU Board of Supervisors.

Gas prices continue their steady rise as we head into the holidays. The current statewide average is $2.06 up over 6 cents from this time last month.

The number of international visitors has grown in Louisiana, but Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser doesn’t just want these travelers to visit New Orleans. Nungesser says there are direct flights into New Orleans from London, Germany, and Honduras, but he wants to see these tourists get out to the rest of the state.

Cut 3 (12) “of Louisiana”

Nungesser says there are 17 scenic byways across Louisiana covering 2,400 miles.

State Police reminds the public to heed warnings at railroad crossings after two people were killed in a train crash near Hammond. Trooper Dustin Dwight says there’s no way to know how fast a train is travelling, so it’s never safe to risk racing the train.

Cut 7 (07) “your route”

LSU Head Coach Ed Orgeron has hired former Pittsburgh Offensive Coordinator Matt Canada to be the Tigers new O.C. Tiger Rag Associate Editor James Moran says once it was obvious Alabama’s Lane Kiffin was seeking a head coaching job, Canada was the best choice.

Cut 9 (10) “he’s been”

Moran says Canada has never had the kind of offensive talent he’ll have at LSU.

Small business optimism is through the roof since the election of president-elect Donald Trump, according to the National Federation of Independent Business’ monthly Index of Small Business Optimism. State Director Dawn Starns says many business owners now have a renewed since of hope that they can grow their companies. She says optimism is soaring in many categories.

Cut 24 (08) “the economy”

Optimism is high among small business owners following the election, based on a survey of small business owners around the country. N-F-I-B state director Dawn Starns says the survey finds small business job creation plans have increased from nine to 23 percent since October. Starns says business owners felt bogged down recently by government regulations….
cut 25 (07) “….businesses growing”
Following a fatal train crash in Tangipahoa Parish, State Police reminds drivers not to race trains. Trooper Dustin Dwight says yesterday 23-year-olds Colton Williams and Justin Long were in the vehicle at a railroad crossing when they went around the downed cross rail.
Cut 6 (09) “on impact”
Dwight says the impact pushed the vehicle about 125 yards away from the point of impact.

The personal finance website, Wallethub, ranks three Louisiana cities as the most sinful. Baton Rouge, New Orleans and Shreveport are all ranked in the top 20, with Baton Rouge the highest at eighth. These three cities also rank in the top ten as the laziest. Jill Gonzales explains why….
cut 29 (12) “….dropouts”

The Zika virus remains a threat even at this time of the year. That’s according to Doctor James Diaz, with LSU Health New Orleans, who is a director of environmental and occupational health sciences. He says most reported cases in the U.S. are travel related, but local transmission remains a big concern….
cut 12 (11) “….not infected”

The National Federation for Independent Business says small business owners have been much happier since the election. Emelie Gunn has more…:
CUT 1 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

Health officials say it’s still important to protect yourself from mosquitoes, even in the winter as Zika is still a real threat. Dr. James Diaz with LSU Health New Orleans says using mosquito repellent with DEET is best…:
cut 11 (08) “very effective”
He says the eggs of mosquitoes carrying Zika can survive even when it’s cold.

President-elect Donald Trump has chosen former-Texas Governor Rick Perry as the Secretary for the Department of Energy. So what does that mean for Louisiana’s oil and gas industry? Louisiana Oil and Gas Association acting president wants to see costly regulations loosened up…:
CUT 15 (11) “break even point”
He says at this point they are cautiously optimistic about the Trump Administration.

State Police say two Tickfaw residents were killed in a train crash as the driver was attempting to go around cross arms with flashing red lights. They say 23-year-old Colton Williams approached the crossing and ran directly into the path of an Amtrack passenger train in Natalbany, causing his vehicle to be pushed about 125 yards. Williams and his passenger, 23-year-old Justin Long were killed on scene. None of the 68 passengers on the train were injured.

Even during this time of year, the Zika virus is still a threat. Don Molino has more…:
Cut 2 (28) “I’m Don Molino”

LSU confirms Matt Canada will be the new offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach for the Tigers. Canada was the offensive coordinator at Pitt last season, where he averaged 42 points per game. He will try to bring that same kind of fire power to the Coach O’s Tigers next season. He will be officially introduced at 1:30 this afternoon.

Louisiana Oil and Gas Association acting president Gifford Briggs says he’s hopeful President-elect Donald Trump’s cabinet choices will help the struggling industry in Louisana. He says at this point they are cautiously optimistic…:
CUT 14 (12) “unpredictable”
Mr. Trump chose former-Texas Governor Rick Perry as the Secretary for the Department of Energy, Scott Pruitt to run the EPA and Exxon CEO Rex Tillerson as future Secretary of State.

Louisiana has three cities that are named in the top 20 most sinful in the nation, according to Wallet Hub. Baton Rouge is number 8, New Orleans #10 and Shreveport number 20. Wallet Hub Spokesperson Jill Gonzales
Cut 8 (10) “lust ranking”
The report found that New Orleans came in second for excessive drinking, while Baton Rouge came in 12.

Former-Texas Governor Rick Perry is President-elect Donald Trump’s choice for Energy Secretary. Halen Doughty has more on what that means for Louisiana’s oil and gas industry…:
Cut 3 (26) “I’m Halen Doughty”

Small business optimism has skyrocketed since the election of Donald Trump, according the National Federation of Independent Business. NFIB state director Dawn Starns says business owners are now excited about the future:
cut 4 (10) “branches”

The Transportation Task Force approved recommendations to send to the Governor on Tuesday that includes a plan to raise $700 million dollars per year to repair the state’s roads and bridges. Governor John Bel Edwards will now the new revenue should be raised during the 2017 legislative session.

There was less progress down the hall at the State Capitol on Tuesday as the state’s budget estimating group decided to hold off one month on finding out what type of deficit Louisiana faces in the financial year that ends June 30th. Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne called the delay irresponsible saying the time is now to acknowledge a harsh reality that Louisiana’s budget picture is dismal.

Louisiana is home to three of the most sinful cities in the country, according to WalletHub. Baton Rouge came in at number 8 on the list, New Orleans is number 10, and Shreveport cracked the top 20. Jill Gonzales with WalletHub says they looked at a variety of metrics to determine which cities were the most sinful…:
CUT 7 (10) “per capita”