Hundreds are still living in FEMA trailers in the wake of the 2016 floods, and volunteer efforts are underway to get them back into their homes. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Matt Doyle”

______________________________________

The Louisiana ACLU has filed suit against the Webster Parish School District for incorporating too many religious activities into school programs.   Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (27) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________________

A state Legislative audit finds the state’s cancer research center has never achieved national recognition in the 15 years of it’s existence.  Kelley Ray has more…

Cut 3 (31) “I’m Kelley Ray .”

____________________________________________________

The Cajun Navy has a new mission, getting people back in their homes in time for Christmas. A February 15^th FEMA deadline is looming, where residents who are living in temporary housing face the possibility of paying rent to stay in their FEMA homes. Sondra Richard, a volunteer with the Cajun Navy, says many homes are still unlivable from the August 2016 flood.

Cut 4  (07) “get yanked” 

Richard says that the effort is a grassroots, completely volunteer effort to get people back into their homes. They are looking for people who can help with rebuilding and transportation of supplies.

Cut 5  (08)  “their homes”

Richard says the February FEMA deadline could force people out of their temporary housing, so they are making a big push during the holidays to rebuild as many homes as possible.

Cut 6 (10)  “their house.”

The United Cajun Navy is accepting volunteers, more information can be found on their Facebook page.

________________________________________________________

Hunger Free America has just released a report showing that Louisiana is tied with Mississippi for the second highest food insecurity in the country.  Spokesperson Magen Allen of Hunger Free America says the survey shows that 14 percent of working adults in Louisiana suffered from food insecurity at some point between 2014 and 2016…

Cut 7 (09)  “food insecure.”

Food insecurity is defined as “when a person is without reliable access to a sufficient quantity of affordable, nutritious food.”  Allen says in Louisiana, the federal nutrition aid is some 430-dollars per year for every resident.  Combined with the lowest minimum wage possible, making it hard for some to make ends meet…

Cut 8 (09) “minimum wage.”

Another segment that is suffering silently is senior citizens.  Allen says there are several reasons behind that…

Cut 9 (05)  “enough food.”

Louisiana also is in the top ten of states which received federal money for nutrition assistance programs.  Southeastern U.S. states Alabama, Florida, Georgia and Mississippi were also listed in the top ten for assistance.

________________________________________________________

The ACLU of Louisiana has filed a suit challenging the Webster Parish School District’s alleged practice of subjecting students to school sponsored Christian prayer and other religious rituals.  The suit was filed on behalf of Webster Parish parent Christy Cole.  ACLU attorney Bruce Hamilton says the district is violating students First Amendment rights…

Cut 12 (09) “fairy tale.”

The suit also alleges that the district has made the student, K-C Cole, feel unwelcome at her own school and shunned by her peers and teachers.  Webster Parish School Superintendent Johnny Rowland says he’s not seen the lawsuit and once he does, it will be turn over to their legal counsel.

_________________________________________________________

A state audit finds the Louisiana Cancer Research Center, created by the state legislature in 2002, has yet to achieve the National Cancer Institute designation, which would open up additional federal funding to improve research and how cancer is treated. Chief Administrative Officer for the Louisiana Cancer Research Center, Sven Davisson, says Hurricane Katrina was a set back for them…

Cut 13 (06)  “to relocate.”

The audit notes changes are needed in their administrative structure of the research center in order to achieve the designation.  The report also found the Center’s board is relying on declining and unstable funding. Davisson says boosting their fundraising efforts may help them get closer to their goal of N-C-I designation…

Cut 14 (05) “looking at.”

Davisson says they also plan to hire a scientific director to oversee the operation and help steer the center toward getting the national recognition, but it will take time…

Cut 15 (12) “that designation.”

_________________________________________________________

Billy Napier is likely on the recruiting trail today after he was introduced as the Ragin Cajuns new head coach yesterday. Napier on what UL Lafayette will look like on the football field…

Cut 16  (15)  “proud of”

The new early signing period for college football begins tomorrow. Napier says he’ll also spend his time getting to know the players who are already on the roster…

Cut 17 (18) “interests in mind”

Napier is a native of Georgia and just 38-years-old. In 2017, he was the offensive coordinator at Arizona State and helped the Sun Devils average 32 points a game. Napier says he can tell there’s great passion for football in Acadiana and he wants to be a part of it…

Cut 18 (15) “around that”

______________________________________________________________

Governor John Bel Edwards outlined his proposals for closing a $1 billion dollar budget gap, also known as the fiscal cliff. The governor proposes higher sales taxes on utilities that businesses pay, new sales taxes on various services like cable TV and changes to individual income tax brackets. He does not support the renewal of a one-cent temporary sales tax that will expire on June 30th…:
cut 12 (08) “and go away”
The governor says he plans to unveil a budget proposal on January 19th, but it will include $1 billion in cuts, since no decision on tax reform will be made until an anticipated February special session.

The White House says judicial nominee Matthew Peterson has withdrawn his nomination. Peterson failed to answer basic legal questions when quesioned by Republican Senator John Kennedy. Kennedy says he had no idea that Peterson had no litigation experience, and said that’s why the Senate holds hearings.

State Representative Chris Broadwater has announced he’s stepping down from the state legislature, so he can spend more time with his family. Broadwater has represented Hammond and parts of Tangipahoa Parish for the last six years. The GOP legislator has a reputation of working with both Republicans and Democrats…..
cut 8 (09) “….my constituents”
We’ve seen a lot of resignations lately because of sexual harassment, but Broadwater says a possible scandal is not why he’s stepping down.

Penn National Gaming has purchased Pinnacle Entertainment for 2.8 billion dollars. Pinnacle operates the L’auberge in Baton Rouge and Lake Charles, and Boomtown in New Orleans and Bossier City. Wade Duty of the Casino Association of Louisiana says that the buyout won’t lead to big changes for players…:
Cut 9 (07) “the players”
He does not anticipate Penn National Gaming expanding their new properties in Louisiana.

Governor Edwards unveiled his proposals on how to solve a looming 1-billion dollar budget gap. He calls for a removal of sales tax exemptions and credits, broadening the sales tax base and changes to income tax brackets. Edwards says next month he’ll present a budget to legislators and they won’t like what they see, if they do nothing to address the fiscal cliff.…
CUT 13 (10) “we have to fix the problem”
Edwards plans to call a February special session to vote on these tax proposals.

Penn National Gaming has purchased Pinnacle Entertainment for two-point-eight billion dollars, which means four Louisiana riverboat casinos will change ownership. Casino Association of Louisiana executive director Wade Duty doesn’t expect Penn to expand their new Louisiana properties…
cut 11(08) “…high taxes”

Hammond Representative Chris Broadwater is stepping down after six years in the state house. The Republican says the decision was not influenced by any budding scandals, he just felt the time was right to spend more time with family…:
Cut 7 (07) “job I did”

To make sure Christmas gifts get to loved ones on time, Matt Doyle reports make sure they are properly addressed and packaged…:
Cut 1 (29) “I’m Matt Doyle”

Governor John Bel Edwards provided his plan on how the state should address a looming one-billion dollar budget deficit. Edwards says he’s not calling for any new taxes, but believes they can make up the revenue by reducing tax credits, removing sales tax exemptions and expanding the state’s sales tax to particular services, like cable T-V. Edwards says a special session will be needed in February to pass these proposals, unless legislators are not willing to work towards a compromise …
cut 14 (10) “…of calling one”

Today is the busiest day of the year for the U-S Postal Service. Spokesperson Twana Barber….
cut 4 (09) “…postal service”
If you want your gifts to arrive by Christmas Day, the deadline for first class mail is tomorrow.

Hammond Representative Chris Broadwater announced his resignation today after six years in the state house. He’s looking forward to spending more time with his family.
Cut 6 (07) “home more”
Broadwater says the decision was not influenced by any budding scandal, and that he felt the time was right for him to leave the legislature. He was known as a lawmaker who worked with both parties.

Four Louisiana casinos owned by Pinnacle Entertainment will soon be owned by Penn National Gaming as part of a two-point-eight billion dollar deal between the two companies. Wade Duty of the Casino Association of Louisiana says operation of the casinos in Louisiana did not force the deal….
cut 10 (09) “…fairly flat”
The four casinos are L’auberge in Baton Rouge and Lake Charles and Boomtown in New Orleans and Bossier City.

Governor Edwards provided suggestions on how the state should adresss a one-billion dollar budget deficit. Michelle Southern reports the ideas are from a nonpartisan group that studied the state’s tax code…
voicer 2 (30) “…I’m Michelle Southern”

The White House says judicial nominee Matthew Peterson has withdrawn his nomination. Peterson failed to answer basic legal questions when quesioned by Republican Senator John Kennedy. Peterson admitted he never tried a case.

State Representative Chris Broadwater has announced he’s stepping down from the state legislature, so he can spend more time with his family. Broadwater has represented Hammond and parts of Tangipahoa Parish for the last six years. The GOP legislator has a reputation of working with both Republicans and Democrats…..
cut 8 (09) “….my constituents”
We’ve seen a lot of resignations lately because of sexual harassment, but Broadwater says a possible scandal is not why he’s stepping down.

Time is running out to make sure your Christmas packages are there by December 25th. U.S. Postal Service spokesperson Twana Barber says this is their busiest week…
Cut 3 (11) “the 24th..”
First class mail needs to be sent by tomorrow, Priority Mail by Wednesday and Priority Express by Friday.

Governor John Bel Edwards gave an update on negotiations with regards to the state’s $1 billion dollar fiscal cliff. He says he plans to unveil a proposal on January 19th that will be balanced and include cuts, but nobody will like the reductions they see…:
CUT 13 (10) “we have to fix the problem”
Edwards says he’ll also present a plan that will be revenue neutral, but lawmakers have to come together and negotiate an agreement.

A US District Judge nominee who was grilled and embarrassed by US Senator John Kennedy last week during basic questions of the law has withdrawn. Matthew Peterson, a President Trump nominee, became well known when a video of an exchange between he and Kennedy went viral. Kennedy says he had no idea that Peterson had no litigation experience for the post, and said that’s why the Senate holds hearings.

Today marks the start of the busiest week of the year for the US Postal Service. Spokeswoman Twana Barber says they are seeing about a ten percent increase in the volume of mail being sent this holiday season…:
Cut 5 (11) “be delivered”
She says today is their busiest day of the year.

Penn National Gaming has purchased Pinnacle Entertainment for 2.8 billion dollars. Pinnacle operates the L’auberge in Baton Rouge and Lake Charles, and Boomtown in New Orleans and Bossier City. Wade Duty of the Casino Association of Louisiana says that the buyout won’t lead to big changes for players…:
Cut 9 (07) “the players”
He does not anticipate Penn National Gaming expanding their new properties in Louisiana.

Governor John Bel Edwards gave an update today on where they are with discussions and meetings around the state on how to avoid Louisiana’s looming $1 billion dollar fiscal cliff. He says he is willing to be flexible in negotiations, but that does not extend to the 5th penny of the sales tax unless it’s used as a bridge to whatever additional revenue is approved…:
CUT 12 (08) “and go away”
The governor says he plans to unveil a budget proposal on January 19th, but it will include $1 billion in cuts to fill the gap since no decision will have been made on taxes at that point.

Hammond Representative Chris Broadwater announced his resignation earlier today after six years in the state house. The Republican says the decision was not influenced by any budding scandals, he just felt the time was right for him to leave the legislature…:
Cut 7 (07) “job I did”

If your children are wanting to make sure Christmas gifts get to your loved ones and on time, Matt Doyle says make sure they are properly addressed and packaged…:
Cut 1 (31) “I’m Matt Doyle”

The ACLU of Louisiana has filed a suit challenging Webster Parish School District’s practice of what the group says subjects students to Christian prayer and other religious rituals.

U-L Lafayette has introduced Billy Nappier as its new football coach. Napier is a former assistant under Nick Saban at Alabama.

Hammond Representative Chris Broadwater announced his resignation earlier today after six years in the state house. He says he’s looking forward to spending more time with his family.
Cut 6 (07) “home more”
Broadwater says the decision was not influenced by any budding scandals, and that he felt the time was right for him to leave the legislature. He was known as a lawmaker who worked with both parties to pass legislation.

Today is the busiest day of the year for the U-S Postal Service. Spokesperson Twana Barber….
cut 4 (09) “…postal service”
If you want your gifts to arrive by Christmas Day, first class mail needs to be sent by December 19th, Priority Mail by December 20th and Priority Express by December 22nd.
The environmental group, the Louisiana Bucket Brigade, plans on putting their bodies in the way of a proposed pipeline that would stretch across south Louisiana. Director Anne Rolfes says the 162-mile long Bayou Bridge Pipeline would run between Lake Charles and St. James…:
Cut 11 (10) “these pipelines”
Energy Transfer Partners only needs a couple of permits before they can start construction on the pipeline. They have said they’ll restore any wetlands or land damaged by construction.

Governor John Bel Edwards gives an update at this hour on how state government plans to addres the fiscal cliff, which is a projected one-billion revenue shortfall for next fiscal year.