The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act was approved by the Senate early this morning and has far reaching effects for Louisiana. U-S Senator Bill Cassidy says not only will it cut taxes, but it also creates nearly 100-million dollars in additional funding for coastal restoration projects in Louisiana…
Cut 5 (08) “coastal erosion”
The house has to re-vote on a few minor procedural issues the Senate made to the bill.

A River Ridge vet has been arrested for allegedly shooting and killing her neighbor’s dog, because of excessive barking. Jefferson Parish Sheriff Joe Lopinto says 35-year-old Kelly Folse is facing animal cruelty and also unrelated drug charges. He says this is a disturbing case…:
Cut 7 (06) “the top”
Folse has also been fired from her job at the vet hospital.

The future of two major safety-net hospitals in north Louisiana are close to being secured. Ochsner Health Systems signed a non-binding agreement to take control of the facilities from BRF. The hospitals in Shreveport and Monroe are set to enter into a public-private partnership between LSU and Ochsner, after years of criticism over BRF’s practices. Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne…:
Cut 11 (11) “north Louisiana”

According to a recent ULM economic impact study, commercial use of the Ouachita River produces billions in revenue and several thousand jobs in North Louisiana. Dr. Bob Eisenstadt of the ULM Center for Business and Economic Research says the nearly yearlong study revealed how important the river is…:
Cut 14 (11) “equivalent jobs”

U-S Senator Bill Cassidy says the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act approved by the Senate does more than just cut taxes for working families. Cassidy says the legislation also allows victims of last year’s floods in North and South Louisiana to deduct all of their personal casualty losses from their taxable income, which could means thousands of dollars…
cut 3 (08) “…recovery costs”
Cassidy says the bill also doubles the Child Tax Credit to two-thousand dollars.

A River Ridge vet has been arrested for allegedly shooting and killing her neighbor’s dog, because of excessive barking. Jefferson Parish Sheriff Joe Lopinto says 35-year-old Kelly Folse shot “Bruiser” last week and the dog died the following day. Lopinto says Folse has not been happy with the barking dog for awhile…
Cut 6 (10) “with it.”
Folse was booked on several charges.

Ochsner Health System has reached a non-binding agreement to work with LSU and the state to operate safety net hospitals in north Louisiana. There have been rumors the LSU medical school in Shreveport might close. Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne says….
cut 13 (11) “….present location”
The medical school chancelllor says the school has immense potential because of this new partnership.

A University of Louisiana at Monroe study has found the Ouachita River is worth five-point-seven billion dollars. University president Nick Bruno says they will turn over the results of this study to the U-S Army Corps of Engineers to show that’s it’s vita they keep water levels appropriate for river traffic….
cut 16 (12) “…apppropriate depth”
Bruno says if the locks are not managed properly, the Ouachita River would be as big as a ditch.

Sweeping tax reform across the US is on the brink of final passage after the Senate voted to advance the bill on party lines just after midnight. All of Louisiana’s Republican delegation support the package saying it will put more money in people’s pockets. But Executive Director of the Louisiana Budget Project Jan Moller says claims that the bill pays for itself are false
CUT 7 (09) “United States”
The bill has an estimated cost of 1.5 trillion dollars.

The Jefferson Parish Sheriff says a Harahan veterinarian has been arrested in connection with the December 13th shooting death of a family’s pet. 35-year-old Kelly Folse, who worked at the Abadie Vet Hospital and with animal rescue organizations, faces aggravated cruelty to animals and illegal discharge of a weapon near a school – both felonies, and unrelated drug charges. Officials believe Folse shot the dog out of irritation over his barking.

Today marks the first ever signing period for college football. Jeff Palermo has more on the recruits that LSU football might reel in over the next three days…:
Cut 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

A recent economic impact study out of ULM found commercial use of the Ouachita River produces billions in revenue…:
Cut 15 (11) “lock service”
That’s Ouachita River Valley Association President Randy Denmon.

Congress is sending President Trump the most substantial tax reform package since the Reagan administration. All of Louisiana’s republican congressional delegation voted for the bill, which has an estimated cost of 1.5 trillion dollars. Congressman Ralph Abraham says Louisianans will see the benefits of the significant cuts to the business tax rate…:
Cut 5 (09) “employment come down”
Democrats calls the bill a giveaway to corporations and the wealthy.

Management of the state-owned safety-net hospitals in north Louisiana could soon be changing hands. Southeast Louisiana-based Ochsner Health Systems signed a non-binding agreement to take control of the facilities after years of criticism over BRF’s practices. State Health Secretary Rebekah Gee there is a huge need for quality healthcare in northeast Louisiana..:
Cut 12 (08) “greatest challenges”

A recent economic impact study out of ULM found commercial use of the Ouachita River produces billions in revenue and several thousand jobs in North Louisiana. Dr. Bob Eisenstadt of the ULM Center for Business and Economic Research says the nearly year long study revealed how important the river is:
Cut 14 (11) “equivalent jobs”
He says they will be able to use this study to ask the federal government to keep the river open and navigable.

LSU is expected to sign nearly 20 players over the next three days as part of college football new early signing period. In the past recruits had to wait until February to sign, now they can do so in December. The first player to sign with the Tigers for the class of 2018 was tight end, Zach Sheffer from Ponte Vedra Beach, FL. The state’s top prospect is Parkway wide receiver Terrace Marshall and 24-7 Sports expects he will sign with LSU on Friday.

Sweeping tax reform legislation is set to become federal law. Matt Doyle has local reaction…:
Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”
The package needs another procedural vote in the House before final passage.

A Jefferson Parish veterinarian has been arrested on animal cruelty and drug charges after reportedly shooting and killing a neighbor’s dog. Sheriff Joe Lopinto says 35-year-old Kelly Folse said she killed the 15-month-old American Bulldog due to excessive barking.

According to Trust for America’s Health, Louisiana achieved only four out of ten indicators for public health preparedness. CEO John Auerbach says the state has not joined the US Climate Alliance to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions which he cites as a concern because global warming puts the coast in jeopardy:
Cut 9 (09) “as well”
The criteria is based on weather related events, flu vaccination rate, paid sick leave and other benchmarks.

Ochsner Health System has tentatively agreed to take over state safety-net hospitals in north Louisiana. Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne says the move aims to end years of disputes over operations of the Shreveport and Monroe facilities…:
Cut 11 (11) “north Louisiana”

After midnight, the US Senate narrowly passed the most substantial tax reform package since the Reagan administration on a party-line 51-48 vote.
All of Louisiana’s Republican congressional delegation voted for the bill, which has an estimated cost of 1.5 trillion dollars. Representative Ralph Abraham says it’ll mean more money in people’s pockets…:
Cut 4 (07) “United States”
But Executive Director of the Louisiana Budget Project Jan Moller says the bill takes money from the working class and gives it to the richest Americans…:
Cut 6 (10) “and corporations”
There were three provisions in the bill that violated Senate rules, so the massive legislation has to head back to the House again for another vote today before it heads to the president’s desk.

According to Trust for America’s Health, Louisiana achieved only four out of ten indicators for public health preparedness. The criteria is based on weather related events, flu vaccination rate, paid sick leave and other benchmarks. CEO John Auerbach says Louisiana’s flu vaccine rate is the seventh lowest in the nation…:
Cut 8 (12) “42 percent”
Auerbach says it’s also a concern that Louisiana has not joined the U-S Climate Alliance to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Today, 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.

Sweeping tax reform legislation is set to become federal law. Matt Doyle has local reaction.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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ULM led a study of the Ouachita River and it’s economic impact on North Louisiana.  Kelley Ray looks at what it means to the region…

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Kelley Ray”

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Today marks the first ever signing period for college football. Jeff Palermo has more on the recruits that LSU football might reel in over the next three days…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Congress is expected to pass the most substantial tax reform package since the Reagan administration. All of Louisiana’s republican congressional delegation voted for the bill, which has an estimated cost of 1.5 trillion dollars. Representative Ralph Abraham says it’ll mean more money in people’s pockets…

Cut 4  (07) “United States” 

Abraham says Louisianans will see the benefits of the significant cuts to the business tax rate…

Cut 5  (09)  “employment come down”

But Executive Director of the Louisiana Budget Project Jan Moller says the bill takes money from the working class and gives it to the richest Americans…

Cut 6 (10)  “and corporations”

And Moller says that Republican’s claims about the bill paying for itself are false…

Cut 7 (09)  “United States.”

The bill is expected to be signed by the President.

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According to Trust for America’s Health, Louisiana achieved only four out of ten indicators for public health preparedness. The criteria is based on weather related events, flu vaccination rate, paid sick leave and other benchmarks.  CEO John Auerbach says Louisiana’s flu vaccine rate is the seventh lowest in the nation…

Cut 8 (12) “42 percent.”

Auerbach says it’s also a concern that Louisiana has not joined the U-S Climate Alliance to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions. He says global warming puts Louisiana’s coastline in jeopardy.

Cut 9 (09)  “as well.”

Auerbach says if the state focused on improving the flu vaccine rate, climate change and getting hospital standards to meet the antibiotic stewardship credentials to prevent superbugs and antibiotic resistance, Louisiana would be better prepared against emergencies…

Dardenne says he hopes that this agreement will reassure the community that the hospitals are here to stay…

Cut 13 (11)  “present location.”

The Edwards administration cautioned that the official contract could take a few months to complete.

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According to an ULM economic impact study released, commercial use of the Ouachita River produces billions in revenue and several thousand jobs in North Louisiana. Dr. Bob Eisenstadt of the ULM Center for Business and Economic Research says the nearly year long study revealed how important the river is.

Cut 14 (11) “equivalent jobs.”

Barge traffic on the river is managed by the Army Corps of Engineers. But, the Corps has reduced servicing four locks and dams and dredging on the Ouachita resulting in less barge traffic. Ouachita River Valley Association President Randy Denmon says they will be able to use this study to ask the federal government to keep the river open and navigable.

Cut 15 (11) “lock service.”

ULM President Dr. Nick Bruno says a minimum maintained water level of the Ouachita is vital to keep river traffic flowing in North Louisiana.

Cut 16  (12)  “appropriate depth.”

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Louisiana Tech can finish with a winning record for the 2017 season if it can beat SMU in the Frisco Bowl. It’s been an up and down season for the Bulldogs, who fell short of playing for the Conference USA title. But Bulldogs Coach Skip Holtz says finishing 2017 with a three-game winning streak would be great…

Cut 17 (11) “ball game”

This is the third time in four years La Tech has played a bowl game in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. They won the previous two, a victory over Navy in last year’s Armed Forces Bowl and three years ago the Bulldogs beat Illinois in the Heart of Dallas Bowl. Holtz anticipates another great game tonight…

Cut 18 (15) “one more time”

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LSU is expected to sign nearly 20 players over the next three days as part of college football new early signing period. In the past recruits had to wait until February to sign, now they can do so in December. The state’s top prospect is Parkway wide receiver Terrace Marshall and 24-7 recruiting analyst Shea Dixon says he expects Marshall to sign with LSU on Friday…

Cut 19 (16)   “about things”

Dixon expects 19 players will sign and over half of them will be on the offensive and defensive lines. He says o-line was decimated by injuries and attrition this year, but they’ll have good depth next season, based on the guys they’ll sign

Cut 20 (15) “Damien Lewis”

Louisiana’s GOP Congressional delegation voted for the tax bill today and the Senate is expected to pass it tonight.   New Orleans Democrat Cedric Richmond voted against it. Richmond says this legislation will only give tax breaks to the top one-percent of income earners. Whip Majority Leader Steve Scalise disagrees and says the measure will also simplify the tax code…

Cut 16  (07)  “makes the code”

A Shreveport man was arrested, and his wife is facing charges after Caddo Parish deputies responded to a call alleging child abuse against a six month old toddler.  Authorities believe the parents Seth and Beia Sepulvado left the child alone a few months ago, which was discovered during the investigation.  Sheriff’s spokesman Cindy Chadwick says Seth is charged with cruelty…

Cut 14 (07) “her diaper”

The child is in protective custody…

A report from the University of Kansas showed 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”

A River Ridge vet has been arrested after allegedly shooting her neighbor’s dog.  35-year-old Kelly Folse says she killed the dog due to excessive barking and was aggressive.   Jefferson Parish Sheriff Joe Lopinto says the dog died a day after being shot.  Authorities say they didn’t find evidence the dog was aggressive.  Folse is charged with aggravated cruelty to animals and possession of narcotics.