The government shutdown is now into its seventh day. Senator John Kennedy says negotiations have stalled, and it’s looking increasingly unlikely they’ll have the votes to pass a budget that includes 5.7 billion in border wall funding demanded by the President.

Cut 13 (10) “…Representatives”
The shutdown has impacted an estimated 850,000 federal workers.

With the New Year right around the corner it’s time to start getting your tax ducks in a row. LA Champagne and Company partner Wayne Dussel says the tax reform bill passed at the beginning of the year means less tax work, and the end of middle class folks with straight forward finances having to save their 2018 receipts for expenses and charity to itemize for optimal tax results.

Cut 4 (09) “…forward″

The LSU basketball player who was gunned down in September has a charitable cause named in his memory.  The family of Wayde Sims is establishing the Wayde Forever 44 Emotional Support Dog Fund, which will help students with the costs associated with caring for a support dog.  Senior Director of Development at the LSU Vet School, Tracy Evans, says Sims had his own emotional support dog.

Cut 7 (06) “…his dog Buddha.”

LSU sophomore running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire is with the Tigers in Arizona one week after he and walk-on linebacker Jared Small were involved in a fatal shooting in Baton Rouge. Authortities have ruled the shooting justified and Coach Ed Orgeron gave his comments on the situation

Cut 9 (08) “…total of 97.″

The LSU basketball player who was gunned down in September has a charitable cause named in his memory.  The family of Wayde Sims is establishing the Wayde Forever 44 Emotional Support Dog Fund, which will help students with the costs associated with caring for a support dog.  Senior Director of Development at the LSU Vet School, Tracy Evans says the financial impact that students may incur in having an animal may be overwhelming.

Cut 8 (09) “…for their apartment.”

The government shutdown is now into its sixth day. Democrats say they’ll refuse to sign any budget that pays for the President’s border wall. Senator John Kennedy blames the impasse on internal party politics surrounding potential Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi.

Cut 14 (10) “…yet”

A tax expert says the average worker in Louisiana probably doesn’t need to worry about keeping those 2018 receipts for itemizing on their tax returns…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

And finally, at the Independence Bowl in Shreveport, a new world record was set for the largest gumbo ever cooked.  Chef John Folse lead the team which cooked a 68-hundred pound seafood gumbo, eclipsing the previous record by 1000 pounds.  The pot alone was 1068 pounds and stainless steel, setting another record for the largest cooking pot ever made.  Proceeds from sales of the gumbo, about $50-thousand, went toward charity.

The government shutdown is now a week old. GOP U-S Senator John Kennedy says negotiations have stalled over funding for a border wall sought by President Donald Trump and Republican lawmakers…
Cut 13 (10) “…Representatives”
Kennedy blames Democratic Congressman Nancy Pelosi for not negotiating in good faith. Meanwhile, FEMA has announced that insurers cannot issue new flood insurance polices or renew policies during the shutdown.

In one month, the I-R-S will begin accepting 2018 tax returns. So what will middle class wage earners see as far as a tax break as a result of the tax reform legislation approved by Congress a year ago. Wayne Dussel is with the Louisiana C-P-A Society…
cut 6 (08) “…will see”

A charitable fund has been created to help LSU students who need an emotional support dog pay for those costs. The fund was started in honor of former LSU basketball player Wayde Sims, who was killed in a shooting in September and had an emotional support dog. Tracy Evans at the LSU Vet School says donations are pouring in…
cut 9 (12) “….was December 13th”
To donate, look up the Wayde Forever 44 Emotional Support Dog Fund and find a link to donate.

According to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, the number of law enforcement professionals who died in the line of duty nationwide in 2018 increased by 12% over the previous year, a total of 144. CEO for the organization Chris Floyd says four officers were killed in Louisiana….
Cut 10 (08) “…among officers nationwide.”

The partial government shutdown is nearing a week old and there’s no end in sight. The 60 votes needed in the Senate to fund a border wall are not there. Many conservative advocates say Republican leaders should exercise the “nuclear option” which would allow items to pass the Senate with only a 51 vote majority, but Senator John Kennedy says that’s risky…
Cut 15 (11) “…stop them.”

Four Louisiana officers were killed in the line of duty in 2018. All of them died in traffic related incidents. Nationwide, there were 144 law enforcement officer fatalities and firearm-related deaths led the way, which is a concern to National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund CEO Craig Floyd…
cut 11 (12) “…deaths among officers”

The Jefferson Davis Sheriff’s office says the second suspect wanted in connection with the double homicide of an elderly couple near Lacassine has turned himself in. 23-year-old Javari Guidry of Houston was booked on first-degree murder and aggravated burglary charges. 21-year-old Jordan Legros turned himself in on Wednesday night.

The family of the LSU basketball player Wayde Sims, who was killed by gunfire in September, has started a charitable cause in his honor to help LSU students who need an emotional support dog. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart.”

The partial government shutdown is now nearly a week old, and Senator John Kennedy says the chances of a quick end are getting dimmer…
Cut 3 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

FEMA announces it will not issue or renew flood insurance policies during the government shut down. This impacts those individuals trying to sell or buy home that’s required to have flood insurance. The governor’s office says over 501-thousand Louisiana homes depend on flood insurance.

Four Louisiana police officers were killed during the line of duty in 2018 and nationwide there have been 144 law enforcement fatalities this year. A 12-percent increase over last year. National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund CEO Craig Floyd says in the 1970s the number was much higher…
cut 12 (12) “….a 35-percent drop”

The family of former LSU basketball player Wayde Sims, who was killed by gunfire in September, has established the Wayde Forever 44 Emotional Support Dog Fund, which will help LSUstudents with the costs associated with caring for a support dog. Senior Director of Development at the LSU Vet School, Tracy Evans, says Sims had an emotional support dog.
Cut 7 (06) “…his dog Buddha.”
Look for information on the Wayde Forever 44 Fund on the internet for a link to make a donation.

LSU arrived in Arizona last night, but freshman cornerback Kelvin Jospeh is not with the team because he violated a team rule. So that means Kary Vincent and Terrence Alexander will start at cornerback for the Tigers against U-C-F on New Year’s Day. Coach Ed Orgeron said running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire will play. Six days ago Edwards-Helaire and walk-on Jared Small were involved in a fatal shooting that authorities have determined was a justifiable homicide.

Duke Head Coach David Cutcliffe improved to 4-0 in the Independence Bowl as the Blue Devils topped the Temple Owls 56-27 in Shreveport yesterday. Daniel Jones threw for 423 yards and five touchdowns.

In basketball…the Pelicans begin a three-game homestand tonight against Dallas. The Mavericks beat New Orleans in Big D on Wednesday night 122 to 119.

and LSU hosts ULM in the final non-conference game for both teams.

Even though the Saints have locked up the number one seed in the N-F-C playoffs, there’s still something to play for on Sunday when they take on the Carolina Panthers. A win and the Black and Gold can set the franchise record for most regular wins in a single season. Quarterback Drew Brees says that’s important
Cut 16 (12) significant yes”
Veteran Quarterback Teddy Bridgewater is expected to play Sunday. He led the Vikings to the playoffs in 2015, but suffered a significant knee injury and missed all of 2016 and only played in one game last year. The 26-year-old says he’s anxious for his chance…
Cut 19 (13) “…one day at a time”
And Saints tight end Ben Watson says he’ll retire after the season, ending a 15-year career.

There are no signs that the partial federal government shutdown will end any time soon. Democrats in Washington oppose a funding bill that would pay for President Trump’s border wall. Republican US Senator John Kennedy blames the impasse on internal party politics surrounding potential House Speaker Nancy Pelosi…
cut 14 (10) “…yet”
Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards says the shutdown is shameful and needs to be solved quickly.

There are many who make end of the year donations, but because of new tax rules it will be more difficult to get a deduction for your donations, because the standard deduction has been doubled. Wayne Dussel is with the Louisiana C-P-A Society…
cut 5 (09) “…do that”

According to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, the number of law enforcement professionals who died in the line of duty nationwide in 2018 increased by 12% over the previous year, a total of 144. CEO for the organization Chris Floyd says four officers were killed in Louisiana, one struck by a vehicle, one died in a motorcycle crash, and two were killed in automobile crashes….
Cut 10 (08) “…among officers nationwide.”
The four who died in 2018 were Zachary Police Officer Michael Lawton, Monroe Police Officer Ayriana Michelle Williams, Montgomery Assistant Chief of Police Kirt Roy Ricks III, and Slidell Police Officer Jason Michael Seals.

A tax expert says the average worker in Louisiana probably doesn’t need to worry about keeping those 2018 receipts for itemizing on their tax returns…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

____________________________________________

The family of the LSU basketball player that was gunned down in September has a charitable cause in his honor.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”  

_______________________________

The government shutdown is now nearly a week old, and Senator John Kennedy says the chances of a quick end are getting dimmer by the day…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

___________________________________

With the New Year right around the corner it’s time to start getting your tax ducks in a row. LA Champagne and Company partner Wayne Dussel says the tax reform bill passed at the beginning of the year means less tax work, and the end of middle class folks with straight forward finances having to save their 2018 receipts for expenses and charity to itemize for optimal tax results.

Cut 4 (09) “…forward″

Because of the increased standard deduction, many will no longer see a benefit from reporting tax write offs like donations and mortgage interest for the average home. Dussel says that means a lower tax incentives for those activities.

Cut 5 (09) “…do that.”

And Dussel says the average wage earner hoping for a noticeably bigger return from the 1.5 trillion dollar tax cut is  likely to be disappointed. He says it’s not a middle class tax cut.

Cut 6 (08) “will see”

The IRS will start accepting returns January 29^th.

__________________________________________________

The LSU basketball player who was gunned down in September has a charitable cause named in his memory.  The family of Wayde Sims is establishing the Wayde Forever 44 Emotional Support Dog Fund, which will help students with the costs associated with caring for a support dog.  Senior Director of Development at the LSU Vet School, Tracy Evans, says Sims had his own emotional support dog.

Cut 7 (06) “…his dog Buddha.”

Evans says the financial impact that students may incur in having an animal may be overwhelming.

Cut 8 (09) “…for their apartment.”

Evans says they hope to have enough contributions to get the fund kicked off in time for the fall semester.

Cut 9 (12) “…was December 13th.″

_______________________

According to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, the number of law enforcement professionals who died in the line of duty nationwide in 2018 increased by 12% over the previous year, a total of 144.  CEO for the organization Chris Floyd says of the four officers killed in Louisiana, one was struck by a vehicle, one in a motorcycle crash, and two died in automobile crashes, making traffic related accidents a great concern.

Cut 10 (08)   “…among officers nationwide.”

The four who died in 2018 were Zachary Police Officer Michael Lawton, Monroe Police Officer Ayriana Michelle Williams, Montgomery Assistant Chief of Police Kirt Roy Ricks III, and Slidell Police Officer Jason Michael Seals.

Floyd says while in previous years traffic fatalities outnumbered gun related deaths, that was not the case this year.

Cut 11 (12) “…deaths among officers.”

While the number of deaths may have increased from last year, compared to the average of the last ten years, the number is slightly below average and the decade over all is seeing lower numbers than were recorded in the 70s.

Cut 12 (12)   “…a 35% drop.”

_______________________________

The government shutdown is now into it’s sixth day. Senator John Kennedy says negotiations have stalled, and it’s looking increasingly unlikely they’ll have the votes to pass a budget that includes 5.7 billion in border wall funding demanded by the President.

Cut 13 (10) “…Representatives”

The shutdown has impacted an estimated 850,000 federal workers. 

Democrats say they’ll refuse to sign any budget that pays for the President’s border wall. Kennedy blames the impasse on internal party politics surrounding potential Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi.

Cut 14 (10) “…yet”

A bill with wall money narrowly cleared the House, but is stuck in the Senate, where it needs 60 votes for approval. Many conservative advocates have called on Republican leaders to exercise the “nuclear option” that would allow items to pass the Senate with only a 51 vote majority, but…

Cut 15 (11) “…stop them.”

Governor Edwards says the shutdown is shameful, and needs to be solved quickly in a bi-partisan manner.

____________________________________

Even though the Saints have locked up the number one seed in the N-F-C playoffs, there’s still something to play for on Sunday when they take on the Carolina Panthers. A win and the Black and Gold can set the franchise record for most regular wins in a single season. Quarterback Drew Brees says that’s important

Cut 16 (12)  significant yes”

It’s unclear how much Brees will play on Sunday. He can use the game to pad his stats to help boost his M-V-P campaign. Brees needs just eight more passing yards to eclipse 4,000 yards for a 13th consecutive season, but the future Hall of Famer is not worried about individual awards

 cut 17 (17)     get here” 

Veteran backup quarterback Teddy Bridgewater is expected to see snaps on Sunday as Brees is not expected to play the whole game. Bridgewater was a former starter in Minnesota and has been ready for his chance in New Orleans…

Cut 18 (19)     stay ready” 

Bridgewater led the Vikings to the playoffs in 2015, but suffered a significant knee injury and missed all of 2016 and only played in one game last year. The 26-year-old says he’s hoping to see the field on Sunday

One of the two men being sought for a December 16^th double murder near Lacassine has turned himself in. 21-year-old Jordan Legros is suspected to have participated in the robbery that left Walter and Darlene Gotreaux dead in their home. Jefferson Davis Chief Deputy Chris Ivey says the Gotreauxs were well known in the small community, and were likely targeted because of their property rental business. He says everyone’s hoping for a quick end to the troubling incident.

Cut 8 (10) “…this happen.”
Cops were cracking down on drunk drivers, resulting in 97 DWI arrests in central and northern Louisiana.  State Police spokesperson Trooper Glenn Younger says the state has seen a drop in traffic fatalities.
Cut 11 (09) “…on our way.”

A Texas motorist traveling on the I-10 Atchafalaya Basin Bridge was arrested yesterday for allegedly performing lewd acts on himself with his two young girls in the car. State Police Sergeant Jared Sandifer says the suspect was stopped by the L-S-P after a dispatcher was informed by another driver with a sharp eye.

Cut 12 (12)   “…traffic stop” 

47-year-old James Toomey of Spring, Texas, has been charged with two counts of Indecent Behavior and Contributing to the Delinquency of Juveniles.

It’s not currently known whether or not Toomey is a registered sex offender, but Sandifer says once the stop was made, the kids were separated from their father, and child welfare specialists were called to take over custody.

And finally, at the Independence Bowl in Shreveport today, Duke scored three touchdowns in the third quarter on their way to a 27-56 win over the Temple Owls.

The Saints host Carolina on Sunday. New Orleans already owns homefield advantage throughout the N-F-C playoffs, but Quarterback Drew Brees says the Black and Gold are not taking their foot off the gas pedal…
cut 30 (16) “…ready for”
Brees needs eight more passing yards to eclipse 4,000 in a single season for a 13th straight year. A win over the Panthers will also give New Orleans 14 victories on the regular season, which would be a franchise record.

The Pelicans franchise is heading in the wrong direction as New Orleans lost its fifth straight last night, a three-point defeat in Dallas. But Head Coach Alvin Gentry says Elfrid Payton is getting closer to returning as he’s been practicing with a splint on his broken finger.

The LSU football team is expected to arrive in Arizona later this evening as they are five days away from facing U-C-F in the Fiesta Bowl on New Year’s Day. The Knights have the nation’s third best offense, averaging 545 yards a game. Tigers defensive back Jacoby Stevens says Central Florida has a lot of weapons on offense…
cut 18 (20) “….good team”
Stevens’ teammate, Kary Vincent is mourning the death of his father. Kary Vincent Senior died at the age of 49. Twice this year the former teacher and coach in Port Arthur, Texas has battled pneumonia. The second bout forced him into coma.

And at the Independence Bowl in Shreveport, Duke scored three touchdowns in the third quarter on their way to a XXX win over the Temple Owls.