It’s a hectic time for those in the business of shipping packages. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
Cut 1 (26) “I’m Kevin Barnhart.”
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Congressman Richmond is bringing a 500 billion dollar bill to Congress to address the country’s growing housing affordability crisis. Matt Doyle has more.
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Law enforcement is stepping up patrols this holiday season to keep the roads safe. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
Cut 3 (31) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”
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This week marks the busiest week for the United States Postal Service. USPS spokesperson Sean O’Neill says while some deadlines may have already passed to ensure delivery by Christmas, there are still two days coming up that those shipping gifts this holiday season need to keep on their radar.
Cut 4 (12) “…priority mail express.″
O’Neill says for those in a rush, to drop items off at the post office, he recommends using the “click and ship” service on USPS.com to pay for postage ahead of time.
O’Neill says for those leaving town, to ensure the packages you are receiving are in good care and not just left to fend for themselves at your doorstep, USPS has holding services that are quick and simple.
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Congressman Cedric Richmond has introducing a half-a- trillion dollar bill that would build an estimated 2.1 million new, affordable homes in America, and subsidize the purchase of existing houses. HousingNOLA Executive Director Andreanecia Morris says passing this legislation would address the country’s widening wealth gap.
Cut 7 (11) “…cyclical poverty.”
Morris says the legislation would also fund home owner education programs to keep people from being taken advantage of by financial institutions, fund home repair and reconstruction in rural areas, and provide a substantial economic stimulus.
HousingNOLA says the bill would create over 30,000 affordable housing opportunities in New Orleans alone, and put an additional 513-million dollars into that city’s economy. She says when those subsidies are applied statewide.
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The holidays can be a dangerous time on the roadways so law enforcement is stepping up patrols as part of the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign. Deputy Director of the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission Dortha Cummins says in the last five years, 139 people have died during the Christmas and New Year’s Eve holiday period.
Cut 10 (08) “…happened involved alcohol.”
Cummins says the campaign runs through New Year’s Day and drivers should be aware that law enforcement is out and actively looking for drivers who may be under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or both.
Cummins says the state is one of five that has received a grant from the rideshare app Lyft to provide $5 off a ride to anyone in the state who uses the code “RIDE SMART LA,” all one word.
Cut 12 (08) “…our coupon code.”
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The Saints visit the Panthers tonight in Carolina for the first meeting of the season between the two. Carolina sits at 6 and 7, and is riding a five game losing streaking that’s all but taken them out of the playoff conversation. Saints QB Drew Brees knows how vital a win tonight would be, with the top seed in the NFC on the line…
The Saints swept the Panthers last year in two regular season games and won in the Dome during the playoffs.
The Panthers season has gone so wrong there’s even rumors it could be the last for coach Ron Riviera, whose team has lost a series of nail biters over the last month. It’s been a down year for the usually potent Panthers defense, but Brees knows they’re still loaded with talent, especially at linebacker
Offensively, Carolina has been carried by second-year running back Christian McCaffery, the diminutive swiss army knife has rushed for 926 yards, and has another 701 receiving yards. Saints running back Alvin Kamara, who was drafted two rounds after McCaffery, says he’s got a lot of respect for the former Stanford star.