Governor Edwards revealed his plan to help cover a one-billion-dollar deficit. It includes taxing services such as cable television, but also reducing the state sales tax from five to four percent. Edwards said he’d call a special session in February to consider his tax proposals. Alexandria Representative Lance Harris says the House Republican delegation is still discussing the best options to address the fiscal cliff…:
Cut 3 (08) “the floor”

The Cajun Navy has a new mission, getting flood victims back into their homes in time for Christmas. A February 15th FEMA deadline is looming, where residents who are living in temporary housing face the possibility of paying rent to stay. Sondra Richard, a volunteer with the Cajun Navy, says many homes are still unlivable from the August 2016 flood…:
Cut 25 (07) “get yanked”
Now The Cajun Navy just needs your help.

Tomorrow Governor John Bel Edwards will hold an end of the year news conference to deliver remarks reflecting on the challenges and successes Louisiana has seen during 2017. He will then host his statewide, monthly call-in radio show, “Ask the Governor,” beginning at 2pm. You can hear the show on certain affiliates of the Louisiana Radio Network. Today Edwards is slated to make an announcement regarding an update on the potential partnership between the state, Ochsner Health and LSU.

A Report from the University of Kansas showed a 7% decrease in the use of ambulances in cities that have the ride service Uber. Matt Doyle has more:
Cut 2 (26) “I’m Matt Doyle”

Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness Director James Waskom says they plan to work towards having the state officially partner with the Cajun Navy for future disasters. He told the Baton Rouge Press Club Monday that they are working on legislation that would establish some type of credibility for the citizen groups…:
Cut 9 (10) “interest in”
The Cajun Navy groups are credited with rescuing thousands of citizens during the 2016 floods and Hurricane Harvey.

Would you take an Uber to a hospital instead of an ambulance. A recent study out of the University of Kansas finds people are increasingly doing just that because it’s cheaper. Chief of Emergency Medicine at LSU Health New Orleans, Dr. Keith Van Meter, has concerns, but sees the potential..:
Cut 8 (06) “Hospital Faster”
The study showed ambulance use has declined 7% in cities with Uber.

Governor Edwards has indicated he’s calling a special session in February to tackle the fiscal cliff. Kelley Ray gets reaction form the head of the House Republican Delegation…:
Cut 1 (31) “I’m Kelley Ray”

A University of Kansas study finds Uber customers are increasingly using the ride service for trips to the emergency room, instead of an ambulance. Chief of Emergency Medicine at LSU Health New Orleans, Dr. Keith Van Meter, sympathizes with the desire to save money, but warns there are some things an Uber just can’t do….
cut 6 (10) “…a triage”

The ACLU of Louisiana has filed a suit challenging the Webster Parish School District’s alleged practice of subjecting students to Christian prayer and other religious rituals. ACLU attorney Bruce Hamilton says the district is violating students First Amendment rights…:
Cut 10 (09) “school officials”
Webster Parish School Superintendent Johnny Rowland is not commenting on the suit.

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:
Cut 1 (31) “I’m Matt Doyle”

It’s further proof that The Cajun Navy isn’t going anywhere, and as GOHSEP Director James Waskom said Monday, the state might as well partner with them. Speaking before the Baton Rouge Press Club, Waskom said work is underway on legislation to certify The Cajun Navy for assistance with the state on future rescue efforts.

A mother has sued the Webster Parish School District claiming they are promoting Christitanity in its public schools. ACLU attorney Bruce Hamilton says the lawsuit provides over 30 examples of unconstitutional use of religion in schools…
cut 12 (09) “…fairy tale”
Webster School Superintendent Johnny Rowland says the lawsuit will be turned over to their legal counsel.

Hunger Free America has found 14-percent of working adults in Louisiana suffered from food insecurity at some point between 2014 and 2016, which is the second highest percentage in the country. Hunger Free American spokesperson Magen Allen says all ages are impacted, including senior citizens…
cut 9 (05) “…enough food”
Food insecurity is defined as “when a person is without reliable access to a sufficient quantity of affordable, nutritious food.”

A state Legislative audit finds Louisiana’s cancer research center has never achieved national recognition in the 15 years of it’s existence. Kelley Ray has more…
Cut 3 (30) “I’m Kelley Ray .”

Governor Edwards will be at the LSU Health Sciences Center in Shreveport this afternoon where he is expected to announce that Ochsner will will take over management of safety-net hospitals in Shreveport and Monroe. B-R-F was contracted in 2013 to handle those duties, but LSU has not been happy with them.

A state audit finds the Louisiana Cancer Research Center hasn’t reached a National Cancer Institute designation in its 15 years of existence. Chief Administrative Officer Sven Davisson says boosting their fundraising efforts may help them get closer…:
Cut 14 (05) “looking at”
The report also found the Center’s board is relying on declining and unstable funding.

A recent report by Hunger Free America finds Louisiana is tied with Mississippi for the number of people who don’t have reliable access to food, or are “food insecure.” Spokesperson Magen Allen says many residents here just have trouble making ends meet…:
Cut 8 (09) “minimum wage”
Louisiana also is in the top ten of states which received federal money for nutrition assistance programs.

The Louisiana ACLU has filed suit against the Webster Parish School District for incorporating too many religious activities into school programs…:
Cut 2 (27) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

Today, Governor John Bel Edwards will make an announcement regarding an update on the potential partnership between the state, Ochsner Health and Louisiana State University. A news conference is slated for 3:30 this afternoon at LSU Health Shreveport.

In other news, Edwards has appointed William “Joe” McPherson to the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission to serve as at-large commissioner.

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:
Cut 1 (31) “I’m Matt Doyle”

It’s further proof that The Cajun Navy isn’t going anywhere, and as GOHSEP Director James Waskom said Monday, the state might as well partner with them. Speaking before the Baton Rouge Press Club, Waskom said work is underway on legislation to certify The Cajun Navy for assistance with the state on future rescue efforts.

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 Sven Davisson says it might be a while before they get there…:
Cut 15 (12) “that designation”
The audit notes changes are needed in their administrative structure of the research center in order to achieve the designation.

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. ACLU attorney Bruce Hamilton says not only are prayers broadcast during morning school announcements..:
Cut 11 (11) “school events”
The Webster Parish School District says once they see the suit they will turn it over to legal counsel.

A state Legislative audit finds the state’s cancer research center has never achieved national recognition in the 15 years of it’s existence…:
Cut 3 (31) “I’m Kelley Ray”

Disturbing story out of Ouachita Parish. The Sheriff’s Office says a man who had been left with a Yorkshire terrier scalded the dog’s face, then put the animal in a freezer. 24-year-old Samuel Smith of West Monroe was arrested on one felony count of animal cruelty.

The United Cajun Navy group says even though water rescues are over, their work continues with the “Come Home for Christmas” program – a grassroots effort to help rebuild homes for 2016 flood victims still in FEMA trailers. Volunteer Sondra Richard says the temporary housing program expires soon:
Cut 6 (10) “their house”
To volunteer or donate, visit the United Cajun Navy Facebook Page.

The ACLU of Louisiana has filed a suit challenging the Webster Parish School District’s alleged practice of subjecting students to Christian prayer and other religious rituals. ACLU attorney Bruce Hamilton says the district is violating students First Amendment rights…:
Cut 10 (09) “school officials”
Webster Parish School Superintendent Johnny Rowland says once they see the lawsuit they will turn it over to legal counsel.

A state audit finds the Louisiana Cancer Research Center, created by the legislature in 2002, has yet to achieve the National Cancer Institute designation, which would open up additional federal funding. The center’s Chief Administrative Officer, 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 Cajun Navy has a new mission, getting flood victims back into their homes in time for Christmas. A February 15th FEMA deadline is looming, where residents who are living in temporary housing face the possibility of paying rent to stay. Sondra Richard, a volunteer with the Cajun Navy, says many homes are still unlivable from the August 2016 flood…:
Cut 4 (07) “get yanked”
She says what they need is more volunteers to help. More information can be found on the United Cajun Navy 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 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”
Louisiana also is in the top ten of states which received federal money for nutrition assistance programs.

The Atlanta Falcons hung on to beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers by three points during Monday Night Football. The Bucs had a shot at a last field goal to go to overtime, but missed by inches. The Falcons’ victory means they still have a shot to knock the Saints from the top spot in the division over the next two weeks. New Orleans hosts Atlanta on Christmas Eve.