The National Federation of Independent Business says their Small Businesses Optimism Index has slipped to it’s lowest levels since just before the 2016 presidential election.  State Director Dawn Starns says the shutdown was the primary driver, but another issue tugging at optimism for small business owners was difficulty hiring qualified workers. Starns says 23 percent of members reported that as an issue.

Cut 4 (07) “…job openings″

15 percent of companies said taxes were their biggest concern.

The Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office has arrested a 17-year-old in connection with the death of a 19-year-old south Louisiana man who was fatally shot Sunday night when a bullet entered his mother’s home in Lockport. Jyarius Folse of Lockport was charged with the Second Degree Murder of Alton Adams of Bayou Blue.  Lt. Brennan Matherne.

Cut 6 (10) “…in this situation.”

The race for the governor’s mansion is now just eight months away, with incumbent Democrat John Bel Edwards currently set to face off in a jungle primary against Baton Rouge businessman Eddie Rispone and Alto Congressman Ralph Abraham. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says the race has been quiet so far, but is set to blast off soon.

Cut 10 (08) “…they’re spending”

Candidates have already begun their social media campaigns, with all three sporting an active Facebook page and accompanying paid ads on the site. If no candidate receives over 50 percent of the vote in the fall primary, the top two will head to a run-off in December.

And now commodities

Eight months from today is Louisiana’s gubernatorial primary as Democratic Governor John Bel Edwards faces two Republican challengers, Ralph Abraham and Eddie Rispone. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says a big part of the debate will discuss state issues and how to move the state forward, but the national climate will bleed over and mix with local issues…
cut 11 (10) “….healthcare”

Following the popularity of The Chute at Tiger Stadium, LSU baseball fans can now look forward to The Yard.  The Yard is composed of two areas around Alex Box Stadium where fans can purchase and consume beer and wine during games so long as they are at least 21 and have purchased a wristband for the area.  Sr. Associate Athletic Director Robert Munson says the area comes in response to fans to enjoy alcohol as part of their game day experience.

Cut 13 (06) “…$6 a beer.”

The National Federation of Independent Business says their Small Businesses Optimism Index has slipped to it’s lowest levels since just before the 2016 presidential election, a notable drop off from recent record highs. State Director Dawn Starns says much of the recent drop off can be attributed to the recent, and potentially upcoming, government shutdown.

Cut 3 (08) “…the future.”

Starns noted the 101.2 rating is still above the historical average of 98.

The Department of Environmental Quality has an online, interactive map on its website that lets anglers see the fish consumption and swimming advisories for rivers, lakes, and bayous in Louisiana. Two of the advisories warn against both swimming and fishing and two other warn only against swimming, but the majority are warnings about contaminants in the fish.  DEQ Scientist Al Hindrichs says once you see the advisories, click the icons because each area has its own, unique, restrictions.

Cut 8 (06) “…how much.”

Eight months from today, Louisiana voters will head to the polls to vote on who will be Louisiana’s governor for the next four years. In 2015, the race centered around former US Senator David Vitter’s ties to a prostitution scandal, but political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says this year’s race will focus more on policy issues…
cut 12 (11) “….a governor”
Qualifying for all of the statewide races is in early August.
According to the National Retail Federation, Americans are expected to spend $20.7 billion for Valentine’s Day.  Fewer Americans are spending money on Valentine’s Day compared to other years, but NRF spokesperson Katherine Cullen says those that are making purchases are spending enough money to make it a record-breaking year.Cullen adds animals are also reaping the benefits of the holiday.

Cut 6 (10) “…more than doubled.”

The state department of environmental quality’s website has a new interactive map that shows swim and fish advisories for 58 bodies of water statewide…
Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”
A 17 year old has been arrested in connection with the death of a 19-year-old south Louisiana man who was fatally shot Sunday night when a bullet entered his mother’s home in Lockport. Jyarius Folse of Lockport was charged with the Second Degree Murder of Alton Adams of Bayou Blue.   Folse has also been charged with 6 counts of attempted second degree murder for each person in the home.  The motive remains unknown and the bond has been set at $5 million.

The race for the governor’s mansion is now just eight months away, with incumbent Democrat John Bel Edwards currently set to face off in a jungle primary against Baton Rouge businessman Eddie Rispone and Richland Parish Congressman Ralph Abraham. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says the race has been quiet so far, but that will change soon…
Cut 10 (08) “…they’re spending”
Qualifying for the race is in early August.

The state department of environmental quality has posted an interactive map on its website that will let the public know about which bodies of water are safe to swim in and whether it’s safe to eat the fish. DEQ Scientist Al Hindrichs says a vast majority of the warnings are for mercury…
cut 9 (09) “….for mercury”
Hindrichs notes the majority of the mercury poisoning is not from one source, but from general atmospheric contamination.

Governor John Bel Edwards seven-day trip to Israel last fall cost 100-thousand dollars in taxpayer money according to a NOLA-dot-com report. Edwards met with Israeli government leaders, cyber-security experts and participated in other activities.

The National Retail Federation is forecasting record-setting spending for Valentine’s Day. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
Cut 1 (29) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

Eight months from today is Louisiana’s gubernatorial primary as Democratic Governor John Bel Edwards faces two republican challengers, Ralph Abraham and Eddie Rispone. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says a big part of the debate will discuss state issues and how to move the state forward, but the national climate will bleed over and mix with local issues…
cut 11 (10) “….healthcare”
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has responded to Governor John Bel Edwards letter that expressed disappointment with the blown pass interference call in the NFC Championship game. Goodell says the game could not be re-played, but the league will look at whether expanding instant replay to include judgement calls on penalties. Goodell also says the league treasures its relationship with New Orleans as they gear up to host an 11th Super Bowl in 2024.

The state Department of Environmental Quality has an online, interactive map on it’s website that lets anglers see the fish consumption and swimming advisories for rivers, lakes, and bayous in Louisiana. DEQ Scientist Al Hindrichs…
Cut 7 (11) “…advisories.”
Two of the advisories warn against both swimming and fishing and two other warn only against swimming, but the majority are warnings about contaminants in the fish.

Adult fans attending baseball games at Alex Box Stadium can purchase beer and win in a new section called the Yard, which is a tented area in the right and left field corners. Senior Associate Athletics Director Robert Munson says the Yard will have television sets, so you can still watch the game, plus…
cut 15 (10) “….in the season”

You couldn’t tell from how quiet the campaigns have been, but we’re only eight months away for Louisiana’s gubernatorial primary…
Cut 3 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

House Republican leadership has once again rejected a recommendation to increase the amount of money the state is projected to receive from tax revenue. House Speaker Taylor Barras’ no vote at yesterday’s Revenue Estimating Conference meeting means Governor John Bel Edwards can’t use the extra revenue to help pay for a proposed pay raise for teachers.

The National Retail Federation estimates Americans will spend a record amount of money on Valentine’s Day, with the average person spending 161-dollars…
cut 5 (08) “…planning to spend”
That’s N-R-F spokesperson Katherine Cullen, who says only 51-percent of Americans plan to celebrate the holiday, which is down from 63-percent in 2007.

LSU will sell beer and wine during home baseball games this season in a new section called the Yard. They will be tented areas located in the left and right outfield corners and senior associate athletics director Robert Munson says fans do not have to worry about missing any of the action on the diamond…
cut 14 (08) “…second of it”
To consume beer and wine in the Yard, fans will have to buy a wristband for 20-dollars and that includes two beverages. Additional beverages will cost six dollars.

Eight months from today, Louisiana voters will head to the polls to vote on who will be Louisiana’s governor for the next four years. In 2015, the race centered around former US Senator David Vitter’s ties to a prostitution scandal, but political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says this year’s race will focus more on policy issues…
cut 12 (11) “….a governor”
Qualifying for all of the statewide races is in early August.

According to the National Retail Federation, Americans are expected to spend nearly 21-billion for Valentine’s Day. Fewer Americans are spending money on Valentine’s Day compared to other years, but NRF spokesperson Katherine Cullen says those that are making purchases are spending enough money to make it a record-breaking year.
Cut 4 (04) “…and spending more.”
The average person will spend 162-dollars on their sweetheart this year.

The state department of environmental quality’s website has a new interactive map that shows swim and fish advisories for 58 bodies of water statewide…
Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

The National Retail Federation is forecasting record-setting spending for Valentine’s Day.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (29) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

____________________________

Check out the DEQ website for an interactive map that shows the swim and fish advisories for 58 bodies of water statewide…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”  

_______________________________

You couldn’t tell from how quiet the campaigns have been, but we’re only eight months away from voting for Louisiana’s next governor…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

__________________________________

According to the National Retail Federation, Americans are expected to spend $20.7 billion for Valentine’s Day.  Fewer Americans are spending money on Valentine’s Day compared to other years, but NRF spokesperson Katherine Cullen says those that are making purchases are spending enough money to make it a record-breaking year.

Cut 4 (04) “…and spending more.”

Cullen says people are budgeting to spend on average $162 this year, with men being the big spenders.

Cut 5 (08) “…planning to spend.

Cullen says animals are also reaping the benefits of the holiday.

Cut 6 (10) “…more than doubled.”

___________________________________________________

The Department of Environmental Quality has an online, interactive map on it’s website that lets anglers see the fish consumption and swimming advisories for rivers, lakes, and bayous in Louisiana. DEQ Scientist Al Hindrichs says it’s an intuitive tool, and gives a comprehensive look at the advisories for 58 bodies of water statewide.

Cut 7 (11) “…advisories.”

Two of the advisories warn against both swimming and fishing and two other warn only against swimming, but the majority are warnings about contaminants in the fish. Hindrichs says once you see the advisories, click the icons because each area has its own, unique, restrictions.

Cut 8 (06) “…how much.”

The advisory also lets you know how many servings of the contaminated fish would be safe to eat.

A quick survey of the site showed a vast majority of the warnings were related to one problem area for fish: mercury. Hindrichs says the state has once again begun extensive mercury testing in it’s waters to get a clearer picture of just how contaminated our waterways are.

Cut 9 (09) “…for mercury.″

Hindrichs notes the majority of the mercury poisoning is not from one source, but from general atmospheric contamination.

_________________________________

The race for the governor’s mansion is now just eight months away, with incumbent Democrat John Bel Edwards currently set to face off in a jungle primary against Baton Rouge businessman Eddie Rispone and Alto Congressman Ralph Abraham. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says the race has been quiet so far, but is set to blast off soon.

Cut 10 (08) “…they’re spending”

Candidates have already begun their social media campaigns, with all three candidates sporting an active campaign page Facebook page and accompanying paid ads on the site.

It’s a governor’s race in an off year, no federal races will be on the ballot, but it comes just a year before a 2020 national election that will be in full swing by the time Louisiana voters visit the ballot box in fall. Pinsonat says expect the national climate to bleed over and mix with local issues.

Cut 11 (10) “…healthcare.”

The 2015 cycle saw Democrat and now Governor Edwards upset Louisiana Republican kingmaker David Vitter in a campaign that focused on a series of scandals that plagued the end of Vitter’s tenure in Washington. Pinsonat says expect a more policy focused race this time around.

Cut 12 (11) “…a governor”

If no candidate receives over 50 percent of the vote in the fall primary, the top two will head to a run-off in December.

_____________________________

Following the popularity of The Chute at Tiger Stadium, LSU baseball fans can now look forward to The Yard.  The Yard is composed of two areas around Alex Box Stadium where fans can purchase and consume beer and wine during games so long as they are at least 21 and have purchased a wristband for the area.  Sr. Associate Athletic Director Robert Munson says the area comes in response to fans to enjoy alcohol as part of their game day experience.

Cut 13 (06) “…$6 a beer.”

Putting the area outside of the stadium along with the restricted entry keeps the school in compliance with SEC regulations.

Munson says fans don’t have to worry about missing any action while hanging out in The Yard.

Cut 14 (08) “…second of it.”

Munson says The Yard will be ready to endure whatever the Louisiana weather may throw out it.

Cut 15 (10) “…in the season.”

_______________________

19th ranked LSU faces its biggest test of the season tonight when they face 5th ranked Kentucky in Lexington at 6 PM. Both teams are tied for second in the SEC with 9-and-1 conference records. Coach Will Wade says Kentucky head man John Calipari has the Wildcats playing some tough defense..

Cut 16 (22) “…for that″

Wade says LSU will need to do the little things in order to win tonight…

 cut 17 (20)   “their late” 

LSU has made a habit of getting behind by double digits and then roaring back to win games. Wade says that recipe will likely not work tonight

Cut 18 (10)  to win” 

Lawmakers have until Friday to cut a deal to avoid another government shutdown. Matt Doyle has more on this story.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

Louisiana took home some gold at last night’s Grammys as Lafayette native Lauren Daigle won for best contemporary Christian Music Performance for her song, “You Say” and also won best contemporary Christian music album, “Look Up Child.” New Orleans native PJ Morton tied with Leon Bridges for best traditional R-and-B performance for his song “How Deep is Your Love.” Buddy Guy won for best traditional blues album.

“Heaven has a wall, a gate, and a strict immigration policy.  Hell has open borders.  Let that sink in.”  That is the message a Louisiana-based grocery store chain printed in its circular ad that is seeing quite a bit of feedback.  Owner of Mac’s Fresh Market Reggy McDaniel says the message wasn’t meant to be politically controversial, but to start a conversation about salvation. McDaniel says the message in the ad is not the only faith-based component of his business.

Cut 8 (11) “…me and him.”

McDaniel says while he’s received negative pushback from the ad, he estimates 80% of the feedback has been positive.

A 19-year-old south Louisiana man was fatally shot last night when a bullet entered his mother’s home in Lockport.  LaFourche Parish Sheriff’s office spokesperson Brennan Matherne says  six people were inside the trailer at the time of the shooting, but they are not sure who inside the home was the intended target

Cut 11 (10)   “…in anyway.”