Governor John Bel Edwards will not push for changes to the TOPS scholarship program. Jeff Palermo has the story…
voicer 2 (31) “…reporting”

An article in USA Today has stoked fears of a global chocolate shortage by 2050. The article cited a 2016 study from NOAA and discussed how the makers of M&Ms invested a billion dollars into sustainability projects. But the CEO of Elmer’s Chocolate in Ponchatoula, Rob Nelson, says…
Cut 7 (04) “misleading.”
A state legislative audit finds the former police chief of Killian in Livingston Parish may have violated state law by billing the town for overtime work and using the town credit card for personal purchases. State Auditor Greg Clapinski says they also found the town improperly purchased diving equipment by following the public bid the process…
cut 6 (11) “….question that”
Hill was fired in June and the Livingston Parish District Attorney plans to review the auditor’s findings.

You can bet some Saints fans will make the trip to Minnesota for Sunday’s N-F-C playoff game between New Orleans and the Vikings. Explore Minnesota spokesperson Erica Wacker encourages Who Dat Nation to partake in their local beers with the famous Jucy Lucy….
cut 14 (11) “…oozes out”
If you are heading to Minnesota, dress warm, the high on Sunday will be five-degrees, but the game will be played indoors.

Governor John Bel Edwards says one of the items he’ll be pushing in the March regular legislative session is to reduce the state’s 71 licensing boards. He says doing so would help start-up small businesses in Louisiana…:
Cut 12 (11) “the board”
Edwards also told the Baton Rouge Press Club Monday he does not favor making changes to the TOPS scholarship program.

House Majority Whip Steve Scalise of Jefferson Parish says he’ll need another surgery tomorrow as part of his ongoing recovery process. Scalise was shot and injured during a Congressional Baseball practice over the summer. He says he is receiving great care from his medical team and will remain fully engaged in work as he heals from the procedure. He hopes to return to Congress in the coming weeks.

Scientists say we may be entering a global chocolate shortage by 2050, blaming things like climate change, disease and declining crop quality in cacao producing countries. But Rob Nelson, CEO of Elmer’s Chocolate in Ponchatoula, says they are working on sustainability efforts…:
Cut 9 (11) “long term”
He says there’s still time to save cacao.

Even though Louisiana just had a bitter cold snap, Saints fans traveling to the playoff game in Minnesota this weekend will be dealing with a high of one degree. Explore Minnesota Spokesperson Erica Wacker says the great north offers man activities Louisianians would love including interesting fishing opportunities…:
Cut 15 (11) “frozen lake”
The game starts 3:40pm Sunday.

Governor John Bel Edwards outlined his legislative agenda during Baton Rouge Press Club Monday, and once again said he’d be pushing to raise the minimum wage. The Governor believes $7.25 an hour is not enough for hard working Louisiana families…:
Cut 10 (10) “support themselves”
The regular session is slated to convene March 12th.

A state audit finds that the former Police Chief for the Town of Killian in Livingston Parish was paid for time he did not work, received excessive compensation and used work credit cards for personal use. Investigative Audit Manager Greg Clapinski says they found that Dennis Hill submitted time sheets for overtime that he did not work…:
Cut 4 (09) “on the clock”
Clapinski says they have turned findings over to the DA.

Calling Minnesota’s winter weather frigid would be understatement, and Matt Doyle has more about what Saints fans making the trip this Sunday should expect…:
Cut 3 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

Two Angola sergeants have been arrested amid allegations they brought cell phones and drugs into the prison, and another booked for sexual malfeasance. Officials say contraband brought into the Louisiana State Penitentiary included mojo, ecstasy pills, cocaine and pot. The investigation further found that 23-year-old Diamond Nicholson of Natchez had sex on several occasions with an inmate.

Governor John Bel Edwards will not push for changes to the TOPS scholarship program. Jeff Palermo has the story…:
Cut 2 (31) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

The former Police Chief for the Town of Killian was paid for time he did not work, received excessive compensation and used work credit cards for personal use, according to a recent state audit. Investigative Audit Manager Greg Clapinski…:
Cut 5 (07) “personal purchase”
Clapinski says they have turned findings over to the DA.

A USA article stoked fears that we could be facing a global chocolate shortage by 2050, saying research shows a surging demand from former third world countries. Chairman and CEO of Elmer’s Chocolate in Ponchatoula Rob Nelson believes the commerce will be able to handle supply…:
Cut 8 (07) “demand”
The article cited a 2016 study from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and discussed how Mars Co, makers of M&Ms, was investing a billion dollars into sustainability projects.

Saints fans are loving a video making the rounds on social media showing the team and even coach Sean Payton dancing around the in the locker room following New Orleans playoff victory over Carolina on Sunday. Linebacker Manti Te’o says it was a great moment…:
Cut 26 (11) “good team win”
New Orleans will face the Vikings on Sunday at 3:40 pm in the NFC divisional playoffs.

Governor John Bel Edwards has several items he would like to accomplish in the 2018 regular legislative session when it convenes March 12th. Among them, Edwards says he’ll seek legislative support to close the gender pay gap in private businesses…:
Cut 11 (11) “same job”
The Governor also said Monday he doesn’t want to tweak the popular TOPS program.

Saints fans going to watch the away playoff game against the Vikings this weekend will be lucky if they experience temperatures above zero. Explore Minnesota Spokesperson Erica Wacker says locals have a different way of thinking about the cold..:
Cut 13 (09) “bad clothing”
The game kicks off at 3:40 our time Sunday.

A legislative audit finds the former Killian Police Chief in Livingston Parish misappropriated funds for personal use…:
Cut 1 (30) “I’m Kelley Ray”

Alabama ended up creeping back up on Georgia in the College Football Playoff national championship game last night, and rallied to a 26-23 win after Amite grad Devonta Smith caught the winning pass for the Crimson Tide in overtime.

A legislative audit finds the former Killian Police Chief misappropriated funds for personal use.  Kelley Ray has more.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Kelley Ray.”

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Governor John Bel Edwards will not push for changes to the TOPS scholarship program. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Calling Minnesota’s winter weather frigid would be understatement, and Matt Doyle has more about what Saints fans making the trip this Sunday should expect.

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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The former Police Chief for the Town of Killian was paid for time he did not work, received excessive compensation and used work credit cards for personal use, according to a recent state audit. Investigative Audit Manager Greg Clapinski says they found that Dennis Hill submitted time sheets for overtime that he did not work…:

Cut 4  (09) “on the clock” 

The Livingston Sheriff’s Office requested the audit last May, once Hill was terminated over possible misappropriation of town funds. Clapinski says they found through town records Hill used the department’s fuel card to buy gas while on vacation and not working. He says Hill also charged personal items to Killian…:

Cut 5  (07)  “personal purchase”

Clapinski says they also found that the town improperly purchased diving equipment from the police department’s dive team manager and did not publicly bid the process…:

Cut 6 (11)  “question that”

Clapinski says they have turned findings over to the DA.

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An article in USA Today stoked fears that we could be facing a global chocolate shortage by 2050. The article cited a 2016 study from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and discussed how Mars Co, makers of M&Ms, was investing a billion dollars into sustainability projects. Chairman and CEO of Elmer’s Chocolate Rob Nelson says the headline was off…

Cut 7 (04)  “misleading.”

The study citied research that shows a combination of surging demand from formerly third world countries combining climate change to create a rough environment for chocolate lovers. Nelson says the industry is working to keep pace with the growing desire for chocolate…

Cut 8 (08) “demand”

The billion dollars from Mars will go towards sustainability efforts, and developing new seeds that could weather a future where increased temperatures potentially lower humidity in the West African nations that are home to major coca production. Nelson says the industry is focused on that effort…

Cut 9 (11)  “long term.”

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Governor John Bel Edwards has several items he would like to accomplish in the 2018 regular legislative session when it convenes March 12^th.   Edwards will once again ask legislators to increase the minimum wage.  18 states increased their minimum wage January 1^st.  He says $7.25 an hour is not enough for  hard working Louisiana families…

Cut 10 (10) “support themselves.”

Edwards says he’ll also seek legislative support to close the gender pay gap that exists in private businesses…

Governor John Bel Edwards met with House Speaker Taylor Barras again today to discuss solutions to a looming one-billion dollar budget deficit. Edwards would like to call a special session in February to pass a revenue-neutral tax plan to address the fiscal cliff.  The governor is working on proposing a budget that reflects a billion dollars in cuts, if he can’t reach an agreement with legislators on a tax plan…

Cut 13 (07)  “be devastating.”

In a twitter post, Governor Edwards outlined for the GOP what he would like to see accomplished.

The former Police Chief for the Town of Killian was paid for time he did not work, received excessive compensation and used work credit cards for personal use, according to a recent state audit. Investigative Audit Manager Greg Clapinski says they found that Dennis Hill submited time sheets for overtime that he did not work…:

Cut 4  (09) “on the clock” 

Last week’s hard freezes will have an impact on fishing. You might find a fish kill and Wildlife and Fisheries asks that you contact them and provide basic information such as the location and size of the kill. Wildlife and Fisheries Biologist Alex Perret says it’s a public safety interest…

Cut 12 (09) “fish kill”

It’s King Cake season.  It’s generally accepted that a traditional king cake is a twisted dough covered cake with icing, but after three centuries, the variations are nearly limitless. Haydel’s Bakery’s Dave Haydel says there’s a few other varieties he’s noticed are in high demand this year.

Cut 5  (13)  “fillings too.”

Carnival season wraps up Tuesday, February 13^th.

Governor John Bel Edwards has said he wants an agreement by January 19th with House Republican lawmakers on a plan to close a one-billion dollar budget deficit for next fiscal eyar. Edwards said at the Baton Rouge Press Club today he’s willing to extend the deadline….
cut 14 (08) “…logistical reasons”
Edwards is proposing a special session in February to change state tax laws to fix the looming deficit.

State Police say an officer with the Monroe Police Department died in a crash on Sunday. Trooper Michale Reichardt says 26-year-old Officer Christopher Beaudion (Boo-Dwan) was in his unit shortly before 3am yesterday on South 2nd near Winnsboro Rod in Monroe…:
CUT 8 (05) “and struck a tree”
Beaudion joined the M-P-D in August of 2016 and leaves behind a wife and two children. The cause of the crash is under investigation.

Louisiana is recovering from a week of hard freezes that shut down production in some of our most popular industries. Fish in particular took the week off, burrowing deep into the mud and away from anglers hooks. Wildlife and Fisheries biologist Alex Perret says it’s best to wait for the cold to pass:
Cut 10 (11) “front comes”
If the water remains below 40 degrees for more than a day, Perret says you should probably anticipate a tougher day of fishing.

It’s officially king cake season and this year’s compressed schedule means this 300-year-old tradition is kicking into overdrive. Haydel’s Bakery’s Dave Haydel says it’s a short season so they are keeping busy…:
Cut 4 (09) “so short” (2x)
Carnival season wraps up Tuesday, February 13th.

Governor John Bel Edwards remains optimistic an agreement can be reached with the GOP lawmakers on solving a looming one-billion-dollar deficit.  I’m Jeff Palermo.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo.”

A Legislative Audit finds former Killian police chief Dennis Hill received overtime pay for hours he didn’t work, used a city’s credit card for personal purchases and didn’t send traffic citations to the town clerk.  Daryl Purpera says auditors found he was paid nearly 1000 dollars in overtime pay while out of town.  He is also accused of buying clothes and gas on the city’s credit card.

State Police say an officer with the Monroe Police Department died in a crash on Sunday. Trooper Michael Reichardt says 26-year-old Officer Christopher Beaudion (Boo-Dwan) was in his unit shortly before 3am in Monroe.  The cause of the crash is under investigation, and routine toxicology and autopsy results are pending.  Reichardt says Beaudion leaves behind a wife and two children..:

Cut 9 (09)  “and prayers”

He had been with the department since August 2016…

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is warning the public about fish kills as a result of last week’s freezing temperatures. Biologist Alex Perret says it’s uncommon, but not unheard of…

Cut 11 (12) “fish mortality”