Governor John Bel Edwards is defending the way he feels is fair when it comes to dealing with Louisiana’s budget shortfalls. He said on his monthly call in radio show that while cutting the budget sounds like an easy fix, it’s painful for the state agencies and the people they serve:
Cut 8 (11) “deliver education”
He says the most responsible way to deal with budget problems is through a combination of savings, cuts and revenue.

Louisiana will receive about $18 million as a result of a $4.3 billion Volkswagen settlement, after the company pleaded guilty to cheating on air emissions tests. Department of Environmental Quality Secretary Chuck Brown says the money has to be used a certain way..:
Cut 10 (11) “tugs and ferries”

A public hearing is scheduled for tonight to discuss the proposed Bayou Bridge Pipeline, which would run across 11 parishes spanning from Calcasieu to St. James. Director of the Bucket Brigade, Anne Rolfes, says crawfisherman are concerned running a pipeline through this area will hurt their business…:
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But Acting President for the Louisiana Oil and Gas Association Gifford Briggs says Louisiana is in the middle of an industry resurgence. He says the companies involved are committed to safety to protect their workers and the environment…:
Cut 6 (07) “for that”
The U.S Army Corps of Engineers will have the final say on whether the pipeline will be built.

During his monthly call-in radio show, Governor John Bel Edwards defends himself amid questions about whether he’s pushing higher taxes to solve the state’s budget problems. Edwards says while lawmakers raised $1.5 billion in taxes during last year’s sessions, they also cut $850 million from the state budget…:
CUT 7 (09) “to do it”
Edwards adds more cuts are coming and possibly another special session to resolve a looming $300 million shortfall.

Police in Shreveport arrest a 44-year-old man in the death of an 11-month old baby. They said it’s believed that Frederick Clark had been watching the child, Mar’sharrd Ross, for an extended period of time before it was discovered the baby was suffering complications that ultimately lead to his death. Clark is charged with second-degree murder and is being held on a million dollars bond.

Louisiana is the third most dangerous state for pedestrians, according to a report by Smart Growth America. Director of the National Complete Streets Coalition Emiko (EM-mee-koh) Atherton says state and local transportation officials can add features to certain roadways in order to improve pedestrian safety…:
Cut 25 (10) “the road”
Only Florida and Alabama beat Louisiana as the most dangerous states for pedestrians.

No longer at her post is the Director of the Louisiana State Police Commission. Officials say Cathy Derbonne resigned amid a controversy related to political contributions, according to reports. The matter is slated to be discussed with State Police during a meeting in Baton Rouge today. Derbonne has been at the helm of the Louisiana State Police Commission for nearly eight years.

After beginning the first year of his term with a massive budget deficit, Governor John Bel Edwards is facing similar problems at the start of year two. Edwards says last year he made $850-million in budget cuts while urging lawmakers to raise more revenue, but this year, we need comprehensive tax reform.

Cut 13 (10) “in April”

Edwards says he’ll continue to push for more funding for higher ed and healthcare.

Ten years ago this month, smoking was banned in restaurants and other places of employment. But Director of the Louisiana Campaign for Tobacco-Free Living, Tonya Moore, says unfortunately the Smoke-Free Air Act did not include bars and casinos, but it did allow for local governments to implement stronger anti-smoking measures.

Cut 5 (08) “air policies”

A report by Smart Growth America ranks Louisiana the third most dangerous state for pedestrians. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

A Shreveport man is facing murder charges in connection with the death of an 11-month-old boy. Police say Mar’sharrd Ross was in the custody of 44-year-old Frederick Clark on Monday when he stopped breathing and had to be rushed to the hospital. The child reportedly died later that day due to complications, which led to Clark being charged with second-degree murder. The details of the child’s injuries have not been released.

Governor John Bel Edwards says it’s a new year, and he’s moving forward with making Louisiana a better place. He says one item on the agenda in his second year is criminal justice reform
CUT 15 (09) “come back in”
Edwards says in 2017 he’ll also continue to push for adequate funding for vital services, aid for flood victims, a balanced budget and comprehensive tax reform.

10 years ago this month, Louisiana banned smoking in many places – mainly restaurants, under the Smoke Free Air Act by then state Senator Rob Marionneaux. He says the measure is one of the most memorable pieces of legislation he ever pushed…:
Cut 6 (11) “Louisiana lives”
He hopes to see all bars and casinos included in the ban soon.

Democratic Congressman Cedric Richmond was one of several black lawmakers who said on Capitol Hill Wednesday that Alabama Senator Jeff Sessions is not fit to be the next Attorney General…:
cut 25 (06) “others”
On the first day of confirmation hearings, Sessions says he’s committed to maintaining the freedom and equality that the United States must provide to every citizen.

A Luling man is now behind bars for allegedly robbing a good Samaritan of $80, then brutally killing him. That’s according to St. Charles Parish Sheriff Greg Champagne. He says they have reason to believe 31-year-old Jerel Smith was hitching a ride with the victim, Ryan Dubuc of Metairie, when he shot him multiple times in the head for the cash…:
CUT 11 (08) “armed robbery”
The also believe Smith robbed another person at the same gas station on Dec. 29.

Governor John Bel Edwards said on the one year anniversary in office that helping flood victims will be one of his major priorities in year two. He says more trips are planned to Washington to secure additional funds for Louisianians affected by the Great Flood of 2016…:
cut 14 (10) “on their feet”
He also says this year the state will finalize a revised coastal restoration masterplan…:
Cut 16 (07) “our buck”
Other items on the agenda in 2017 for Edwards are comprehensive tax reform, and a continued push for adequate funding for healthcare, higher ed, and TOPS.

In an afternoon news conference the governor will talk about the successes of the Medicaid expansion program which went into effect a year ago today. He’ll be joined by state Department of Health Secretary Dr. Rebekah Gee.

Louisiana is in the top three on a list showing the most dangerous states for pedestrians. The report is by Smart Growth America. National Complete Streets Coalition Director Emiko (EM-mee-koh) Atherton says many roads here were not made for walking…:
Cut 9 (07) “of transportation”
They urge officials to add features that improve pedestrian safety.

It’s been ten years this month since Louisiana banned smoking in many places under the Smoke-Free Air Act. Halen Doughty has more…:
CUT 1 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

After a challenging first year in office, Governor John Bel Edwards will also have a lot on his plate in year two. Jeff Palermo has more…:
Cut 3 (31) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

Slidell has told a judge in New Orleans that they will not enforce the ordinance requiring panhandlers to apply for permits while the constitutionality of the matter is in question. The ACLU of Louisiana filed a pending lawsuit on behalf of panhandlers who argue the law is a violation of the first amendment.

January marks the 10 year anniversary of the Louisiana Smoke-Free Air Act, which prohibited smoking in public buildings and places of employment- most significantly restaurants. Director for the Louisiana Campaign for Tobacco-Free Living, Tonya Moore, says the law has improved public health and it’s been good for the state’s economy…:
cut 4 (10) “this passage”
She says the next push will be to continue to get bars and casinos included in the ban.

Louisiana is the third most dangerous state for pedestrians, according to a report by Smart Growth America. Director of the National Complete Streets Coalition Emiko (EM-mee-koh) Atherton says this means Louisiana has a lot of work to do to increase pedestrian safety. She says many of these deaths are preventable…:
CUT 7 (07) “street lighting”
Florida and Alabama came in first and second for the most dangerous states for pedestrians.

Stabilizing the budget, flood recovery, criminal justice reform and coastal restoration are among Governor John Bel Edwards’ goals as he begins his second year in office. He says comprehensive tax reform is needed this year…:
Cut 13 (10) “in April”
Edwards says he’ll continue to push for adequate funding for healthcare, higher ed, and TOPS.

A Luling man has been arrested in connection with a brutal armed robbery turned murder. St. Charles Parish Sheriff Greg Champagne says 31-year-old Jerel Smith encountered the victim, Ryan Dubuc of Metairie, at a gas station and got into his truck..:
Cut 10 (10) “helps people”
He says they believe Smith then shot and killed Dubuc over $80. Smith is charged with first-degree murder, armed robbery and carjacking.

A report by Smart Growth America ranks Louisiana the third most dangerous state for pedestrians. Emelie Gunn has more…:
Cut 2 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

State Senator Troy Brown has pleaded no contest over accusations that he abused his wife during an argument. The Napoleonville lawmaker was sentenced to jail on a misdemeanor charge of domestic abuse battery.