The Louisiana Public Service Commission wants to know why utility customers were asked to conserve energy Thursday morning in the cold. Michelle Southern reports…:

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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The Commissioner of Higher Education is worried about possible cuts to the TOPS program.  Kelley Ray has a look at the far reaching repercussions…

Cut 2 (32) “I’m Kelley Ray.”

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The Louisiana Public Service Commission wants to know why utility customers were asked to reduce energy consumption for a time Thursday morning over concerns the grids may not be able to handle the high demand in the cold. PSC Chairman Eric Skrmetta says nobody’s power was going to be shut off:

Cut 3 (08) “to happen”

Skrmetta says the situation was bad enough yesterday that industrial customers were warned that their power could be turned off which flows to households. He says there is no reason that should ever happen and it’s the PSC’s job to make sure that power is always there for consumers to use..:

Cut 4  (11) “to be taken” 

The Midcontinent Independent System Operator, which manages the flow of electricity, said they had set a record Wednesday morning for peak winter power usage. Skrmetta says the PSC’s ultimate goal is to make sure the resources are there, and that people have what they need to live their lives…:

Cut 5  (11)  “marketplace”

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The Commissioner of Higher Education Joe Rallo is concerned about the possible lack of funding for the TOPS program.  Governor Edwards will present his budget proposal on Monday. Rallo says if funding for TOPS is eliminated, it will be devastating for students who benefit from the program…

Cut 6 (13)  “to school.”

Rallo says he hopes Governor Edwards can make good on his promise for not cutting funding for TOPS, but says money to cover the one billion dollar shortfall once the one-penny sales tax drops off the end of June has to come from somewhere.  Rallo says if TOPS doesn’t get funding, it could affect Louisiana’s job market…

Cut 7 (09)  “those graduates.”

Governor Edwards has said he will ask for a special session next month to consider the budget if there isn’t an agreement in principle in place.  Rallo says time is of the essence in getting a financial plan in place since nationwide faculty recruitment is currently underway…

Cut 8 (11) “of state.”

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Roads were shuttered and pipes shattered as Louisiana suffered record lows this week. Many Louisianans woke up to the sound of running water and nasty surprises across their property. Pipes “R” Us owner Danny Griffin says there’s a good way to avoid the hassle going forward…

Cut 9 (10) “out tremendously.”

Griffin is asking for patience as calls flood in asking for repairs…

Cut 10 (06) “phone calls”

Louisiana is no stranger to disasters, and the fraudsters that chase them. Griffin has some advice on how to avoid a bad deal…

Cut 11 (10) “for it”

Griffin says if you don’t have experience working with plumbing, leave the work to the professionals.

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Vermilion School Board President Anthony Fontana has announced he is resigning immediately.  This comes amid the controversy surrounding school teacher Deyshia Hargrave and her arrest two weeks ago.  A non-partisan group CrowdPac is concerned about the recent volatile actions of the board and wants to see changes.  Crowdpac spokesperson Mason Harrison says Fontana’s resignation is perfect timing for a seminar coming to Abbeville to train citizens to become prepared to run for a school board position…

Cut 12 (07) “do that.”

During the meeting, Fontana tried to silence her when she voiced concerns about the superintendent’s raise.  Harrison says the other seven board members are as much as fault as Fontana in the incident and find themselves in a precarious situation…

Cut 13 (08) “this year.”

Harrison says with the nationwide news coverage this story has received, interest in the seminar has been high…

Cut 14 (10) “help out.”

Louisiana Radio Network News, I’m Matt Doyle

Vermilion School Board President Anthony Fontana has announced he is resigning immediately.  A non-partisan group CrowdPac is concerned about the recent volatile actions of the board and wants to see changes.  Crowdpac spokesperson Mason Harrison says it’s perfect timing for a seminar coming to Abbeville to help train citizens in preparation for running for a school board position…

(CUT 12) (07) “do that.”

Fontana says his goal was to get a raise for the superintendent, which was accomplished.

The Commissioner of Higher Education Joe Rallo is concerned about the possible lack of funding for the TOPS program. Governor Edwards will present his budget proposal on Monday which reports say ill include the elimination of all TOPS funding. Rallo says time is of the essence…

Cut 8 (11) “of state.”

the one billion dollar shortfall is the result of the expiration of a one cent sales tax.

The Louisiana Public Service Commission wants to know why utility customers were asked to conserve energy Thursday morning in the cold. Michelle Southern reports…:

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Michelle Southern”

The couple found guilty of murdering a Zachary man and stuffing his body into a barrel were sentenced today. 23-year-old Jace Crehan was convicted of second degree murder and 19-year-old Brittany Monk, was sentenced to manslaughter. Both were from Walker.

The victim, Robert Noce, was found guilty of sexually assaulting Monk for nearly ten years. Noce pleaded no contest to the charges two weeks before he was found in the barrel.

Louisana Radio Network News

The Commissioner of Higher Education Joe Rallo is concerned about the possible lack of funding for the TOPS program. Governor Edwards will present his budget proposal on Monday, which was delayed due to this week’s weather. Rallo says if TOPS doesn’t get funding, it could affect Louisiana’s job market…:
Cut 7 (09) “those graduates”
Governor Edwards says he plans to present to budget scenarios to lawmakers, one with his spending ideas, and another which includes the cuts including to TOPS.

Roads were shuttered and pipes shattered as Louisiana suffered record lows this week. Many Louisianans woke up to the sound of running water and nasty surprises across their property. Pipes “R” Us owner Danny Griffin says there’s a good way to avoid the hassle going forward…:
Cut 9 (10) “out tremendously”

Vermilion Parish School Board President Anthony Fontana, who was surrounded by controversy after a teacher was arrested at a meeting, says he will resign. He said in a letter to a local paper that his final goal was to get the superintendent a contract, and that happened so he’s out. It was that contract the teacher, Deyshia Hargrave, was questioning.

Frank Selas, known as Mr. Wonder on a Monroe children’s television show in the 1970s, accepted a plea deal in Rapides Parish…:
Cut 3 (31) “I’m Kelley Ray”

Commissioner of Higher Education Joe Rallo is worried about possible cuts to the TOPS program…:
cut 2 (32) “I’m Kelley Ray”

The icy conditions caused hundreds of residents in Southeast Louisiana’s pipes to burst. Pipes “R” Us owner Danny Griffin is asking for patience as calls flood in asking for repairs…:
Cut 10 (06) “phone calls”

The Louisiana Public Service Commission wants to know why utility customers were asked to reduce energy consumption for a time Thursday morning over concerns the grids may not be able to handle the high demand. PSC Chairman Eric Skrmetta says there is no reason that should ever happen and it’s the PSC’s job to make sure that power is always there for consumers to use..:
CUT 4 (09) “an issue”
Skrmetta says they need to get to the bottom of why the Midcontinent Independent System Operator felt the action of asking people to conserve needed to be taken.

The Commissioner of Higher Education Joe Rallo is concerned about the possible lack of funding for the TOPS program. Governor Edwards will present his budget proposal on Monday. Rallo says if funding for TOPS is eliminated, it’ll be devastating for students:
Cut 6 (13) “to school”
Governor Edwards says the budget which includes the lack of funding for TOPS is not one he wants to present if lawmakers can’t come to an agreement on ways to deal with the budget deficit.

Testimony is underway in the trial of Ronald Gasser; the man accused of shooting and killing former NFL player Joe McKnight in an apparent road rage incident. Loyola University Law Professor Dane Ciolino says the defense will likely claim McKnight tried to enter Gasser’s car in a road rage incident:
Cut 4 (08) “will apply”
That permits use of force in defense of your home or car.

This afternoon Governor John Bel Edwards will speak at the Joint Louisiana Council of Chapters and Greater Baton Rouge Area Military Officers Association of America Luncheon. In a release, the governor says a new economic study finds the military plays a significant role as an employer in Louisiana, accounting for $7.7 billion dollars in annual economic output.

The Louisiana Public Service Commission wants to know why utility customers were asked to reduce energy consumption for a time Thursday morning over concerns the grids may not be able to handle the high demand. PSC Chairman Eric Skrmetta says there are always adequate resources available…:
CUT 3 (08) “to happen”
He says there is no reason the state of Louisiana should ever run short on electricity and the PSC plans to get to the bottom of what happened.

LSU nose tackle Greg Gilmore has been added to the roster for the Senior Bowl. Gilmore led the Tigers with 7.5 sacks last season. He joins receiver DJ Chark, running back Darrell Williams and defensive lineman Christian LaCourture who will play in the Senior Bowl on January 27th in Mobile.

There are two all-star games tomorrow. The N-F-L-P-A Collegiate Bowl on F-S-1 at 3 PM. Former Tigers Russell Gage and Frank Heron will play in that game. There’s also the East-West Shrine Game tomorrow. Lousiaina Tech safety Secdrick Cooper and U-L Lafayette’s Tracy Walker will play in that game.

In college basketball last night, the Ragin Cajuns rallied from a 12-point halftime deficit to beat U-T Arlington 77-65. Frank Bartley had 26 ponts as U-L Lafayette is now 6-0 in the Sun Belt. ULM fell to 1-5 in the Sun Belt after losing to Texas State 55-52. And Louisiana Tech defeated North Texas 66-65.

Former LSU Tiger Leonard Fournette will look to lead Jacksonville to its first ever Super Bowl appearance as they face the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship game. Fournette scored three touchdowns last Sunday in the upset win over Pittsburgh and knows the Pats defense will focus on him….
cut 16 (15) “…of plays”
Patriots quarterback Tom Brady did not practice yesterday, because of a hand injury. Kick-off is at 2 PM.

ESPN’s Mel Kiper has released his first mock draft and he does have not any LSU Tigers selected in the first round. But there are many who expect Arden Key and Derius Guice will be selected in the first round.

The Pelicans Anthony Davis and DeMarcus Cousins have been selected as starters for next month’s NBA All Star game. It’s the first time the franchise will have two new starters. New Orleans is back home Monday night to host the Memphis Grizzlies.

Frank Selas, known as Mr. Wonder on a Monroe children’s TV show in the 1970s, accepts a plea deal, where he’ll serve five years for sexually assaulting a child during a camping trip in 1979.  Selas’ attorney Mike Small calls the plea deal a “no-brainer.  Legal analyst Tim Meche says people may be upset about the lenient sentence, but this agreement benefits the people directly involved…

Cut 11 (09) “they wanted.”

Jury selection in the second-degree murder trial involving Joe McKnight’s shooter should conclude today. The former NFL running back was shot by Ronald Gasser in December 2016.  The prosecution is expected to argue Gasser incited the shooting. Loyola University Law Professor Dane Ciolino says, Gaser won’t be able to claim can’t claim self-defense then…

Cut 5  (10)  “defensive force.”

A legislative task force is pushing for a loosening of existing casino regulations. Jeff Palermo talked to Lake Charles Senator Ronnie Johns…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

A state judge will hear a dispute between Governor Edwards and Attorney General Jeff Landry over which party should control the state’s lawsuit against opioid manufacturers.  Edwards’ administration filed a lawsuit in September against more than a dozen drug companies.  Landry filed a request to stop the suit since it didn’t include how it impacts other agencies.  Landry says his office can supersede the state health department.

A legislative task force recommends Louisiana loosen its restrictions on the gaming industry. Lake Charles Senator Ronnie Johns says rules that only allow a certain square footage of gaming space are out of date considering how much bigger slot machines are now…:
Cut 8 (09) “particular license”
The proposals will go before legislators during the upcoming session.

There are still some cold-weather issues lingering today; particularly in Southeast Louisiana. Governor John Bel Edwards says some water systems are dealing with low pressure from busted pipes, and with temperatures going below freezing last night, some roads stayed slick..:
Cut 13 (09) “being open”
Temperatures today will return to the 50s.

Jury selection should conclude today in the fatal shooting of former NFL and John Curtis running back Joe McKnight. Matt Doyle reports…:
Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

Frank Selas, aka the Monroe kids TV host Mr. Wonder, accepts a plea deal to serve five years for sexually assaulting a child in the 70s. Legal analyst Tim Meche says evidence in a decades old case would have been hard to find:
Cut 12 (08) “attorney’s opinion.”

Jury selection in the second-degree murder trial involving Joe McKnight’s shooter should conclude today. The former NFL and John Curtis running back was shot by Ronald Gasser on a roadside in Jefferson Parish in December of 2016. Loyola University Law Professor Dane Ciolino says a possible legal defense for Gasser would be invoking stand your ground…:
Cut 6 (12) “his ground”
He says the prosecution will argue the incident was incited by Gasser.

A legislative task force recommends moving riverboat casinos onto dry land, and Republican State Senator Ronnie Johns of Lake Charles said he would draft bills based on the suggestions. But he says the loosening of restrictions doesn’t mean Louisiana will get more casinos…:
Cut 9 (10) “any of that”

The Louis Armstrong International Airport is dealing with water pressure issues in the wake of this week’s freeze and busted pipes. Director of Aviation Kevin Dolliole says the toilets can not be flushed…:
Cut 15 (12) “lobby area”

Frank Selas, aka Mr. Wonder on a Monroe kids TV show in the 70s, accepted a plea deal in Rapides Parish for sexually assaulting a child.
Cut 3 (31) “I’m Kelley Ray”

A legislative task force is pushing for a loosening of casino regulations. Jeff Palermo spoke with Lake Charles Senator Ronnie Johns about it..:
Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

There are a few cold weather-related incidents lingering today, especially in Southeast Louisiana. Most of the state’s interstate systems have re-opened, but DOTD Secretary Shawn Wilson warns motorists that some spots may have iced back over last night…:
Cut 14 (10) “other closures”

Another issue still left behind by this week’s arctic blast is water pressure. In New Orleans, some hotels are working to accommodate guests as water pressure dropped so low that toilets and showers stopped working. Many restaurants decided to stay closed as water was only trickling from faucets. Most of the region is under a boil-water advisory due to the low pressure. LSU reports having similar issues, and so is the airport in New Orleans.

Frank Selas, known as Mr. Wonder on a Monroe children’s TV show in the 1970s, accepts a plea deal, where he’ll serve five years for sexually assaulting a child during a camping trip in 1979. Selas gets two years credited for time served and will not register as a sex offender since the registry didn’t exist when the crime was committed. Legal analyst Tim Meche says this is how a plea agreement works…:
Cut 10 (11) “for everybody”