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.

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”

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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”

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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 .”

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.”

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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”

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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.