The Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign is underway. Greg Fischer with the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission says for over the past five Christmas holidays in Louisiana 26 people were killed and 452 injured in vehicle crashes involving alcohol.

Cut 6 any means :05

The LHSC helps pay for overtime so more law enforcement officers can stop impaired drivers.

Ochsner Children’s Hospital is building a new 343 thousand square foot facility with a large donation from New Orleans Saints Owner Gayle Benson. Chief Medical Officer Dr. Butch Adolph says this will help advance the growing need to help children throughout the region.

Cut 3 (13) “…one facility.”

The Board of Regents approves the Statewide Universal Transfer Pathways to reduce the time and money needed to complete a bachelor’s degree when transferring from one of the state’s two-year colleges. Deputy Commissioner for Academic Affairs and Innovation, Tristan Denley…

Cut 12 (09) “…unanimously.” 

On Louisiana Public Broadcasting tonight a documentary about human sex trafficking, Turning the Tide: A Story of Hell, Hope, and Healing profiles three survivors, and features First Lady Donna Edwards She says we all need to understand the harsh reality of what’s going on right here in Louisiana and how we can help.

Cut 15 (11) “…they acted.”

It airs tonight on LPB at 8 PM, it’s also available to watch online you can find a link at Louisiana Radio Network.

After the worst wildfire season on record, proactive steps are being taken to help reduce the impact of future wildfires in the Bayou State. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

According to a Universal Drugstore survey, Louisiana ranks fourth nation for smoking, drinking, illicit drug use, and e-cigarettes. The percentage of excessive drinkers is 22 percent, more than one million residents.  When you look at the numbers by parish Lafourche topped the list with 24%, followed by Livingston at 23 percent.

Deer hunters in northeast Louisiana are urged to bring the head of any deer they harvest to one of 13 collection points after cases of chronic wasting disease (CWD) have been confirmed. LDWF Deer Program Manager Johnathan Bordelon says 14 positive cases have been detected in Tensas Parish.

Cut 7 (11) “…new areas.”

Visit LDWF’s website for more information.

On Louisiana Public Broadcasting tonight a documentary about human sex trafficking, Turning the Tide: A Story of Hell, Hope, and Healing profiles three survivors, along with First Lady Donna Edwards who’s helping raise awareness…

Cut 13 (08) “…100% our business.”

The program airs at 8 pm tonight but you can also watch online, visit Louisiana Radio Network dot com for a link.

After the worst wildfire season on record, proactive steps are being taken to help reduce the impact of future wildfires in the Bayou State. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

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The Board of Regents just improved the road to a bachelor’s degree for students transferring from a two-year college with the approval of Universal Transfer Pathways. Colleen Crain has the story…

Cut 2 (31)  “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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A documentary about the reality of human sex trafficking in Louisiana airs tonight on LPB. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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Louisiana Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Doctor Mike Strain says he’s already taking proactive measures to mitigate future impacts of wildfires in the Bayou State.  After the state’s worst wildfire season in history, he plans to hire a Director of Meteorology to keep accurate and informed fire weather conditions.

Cut 4 (12) “…(x2) soil conditions.”

This year alone, wildfires in the Bayou State charred 62,000 acres and destroyed $71 million in forestland from August through October.

Strain says he’ll ask lawmakers next year to approve 43 million dollars for new firefighting equipment and personnel. When it’s go time, he says fire crews must be trained to work effectively and safely.

Cut 5 (12) “…be trained.”

Strain says the 2023 wildfires placed many lives at risk. Though forces of nature like lightning can’t be controlled…

Cut 6 (10) “…human behavior.”

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Deer hunters in northeast Louisiana are urged to bring the head of any deer they harvest to one of 13 collection points after cases of chronic wasting disease (CWD) have been confirmed. Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries State Deer Program Manager Johnathan Bordelon says 14 positive cases have been detected in Tensas Parish.

Cut 7 (11) “…new areas.”

LDWF has set up 13 free CWD collection sites throughout the region including Catahoula, Concordia, Franklin, Madison, Morehouse, Tensas, and Union Parishes.

Bordelon says there are no treatments or vaccines. He says the process is free and supplies are provided for hunters at collection sites.

Cut 8 (12) “…off site.” 

Hunters must match their sample I-D number to data online to get test results. The testing process typically takes two to three weeks.

While there is no link between human illness and CWD, Bordelon says health officials recommend…

Cut 9 (12)  “…of caution.”

Over 18 hundred samples have been submitted in the Bayou State. Results can be found on the LDWF website.

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The Board of Regents has approved Statewide Universal Transfer Pathways to reduce the time and money needed to complete a bachelor’s degree when transferring from one of the state’s two-year colleges. Until now, Louisiana students took an average of four additional years to complete a bachelor’s degree after the transfer. Tristan Denley, Deputy Commissioner for Academic Affairs and Innovation…

Cut 10 (10) “…towards their degree.”

Before these pathways, some classes didn’t transfer or didn’t meet specific degree requirements in the chosen school. Denley says now, each of the universal pathways that consist of 60 credit hours can be transferred seamlessly to the four-year institution and the program is expected to grow…

Cut 11 (06) “…this coming year.” 

The pathways that are a result of the work of almost 300 faculty are expected to launch in Fall 2024. Legislation that made the Transfer Pathways possible passed in 2022 and Denley says it had broad appeal.

Cut 12 (09) “…unanimously.” 

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On Louisiana Public Broadcasting tonight a documentary about human sex trafficking, Turning the Tide: A Story of Hell, Hope, and Healing profiles three survivors, along with First Lady Donna Edwards who’s helping raise awareness…

Cut 13 (08) “…100% our business.”

Edwards championed the cause after learning of an autistic woman who was held captive for a year in Amite.

Cut 14 (11) “…(x2) the light switch.” 

As First Lady, Edwards established the National Coalition for the Prevention of Human Sex Trafficking, along with other First Ladies. She also inspired her husband to establish The Office of Human Trafficking Prevention.

She says we all need to understand the harsh reality of what’s going on right here in Louisiana and how we can help.

Cut 15 (11) “…they acted.”

It airs tonight on LPB at 8 PM, it’s also available to watch online and on LPB Passport. The documentary, produced by WYES in New Orleans, will air nationally in January.

You can also find a link to view the documentary at LouisianaRadioNetwork.com

TURNING THE TIDE: A STORY OF HELL, HEALING, AND HOPE 

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It’s likely LSU will have three players from the NFL draft selected in the first round. Quarterback Jayden Daniels, and receivers Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas Junior. WWL sports talk show host and draft analyst Mike Detillier says Daniels is one of the top players this draft….

 Cut 16 (08) “…as high as two.”

Detillier says Nabers should hear his name called in the 2024 draft a few names after Daniels gets picked…

Cut 17 (11) “….top ten pick.” 

Nabers has 86 catches on the season for 1,546 yards and 14 touchdowns. Brian Thomas Junior has 60 catches on the year for 1,079 yards and 15 touchdowns. Detillier says Thomas should get selected somewhere between the 18th and 22nd pick of the first round…

Cut 18 (18)  “…with it.” 

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The Ragin Cajuns will face Jacksonville State in tomorrow’s R-and-L Carriers New Orleans Bowl. Kick-off is set for 1:15. U-L Lafayette Coach Michael Desormeaux says his team has been preparing to play a good team, one that has won 17 games over the last two seasons…

 Cut 19 (14) “…moving forward.” 

Motivation is a big part of who wins bowl games. Desormeaux says his guys should be excited to play…

Cut 20 (13) “…problem.”

This is the Cajuns seventh appearance in the New Orleans Bowl and they are five and one in this game.

The SEC has released LSU’s 2024 football schedule and there’s the potential for some big-time matchups for Tiger Stadium’s 100th season. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (30)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.” 

Governor-elect Jeff Landry has appointed Dan Casey, with Dealertrack Registration and Titling Solutions to serve as Commissioner. Landry says the office should respect each citizen’s time and offer quality customer service.

On this last radio call in the show “Ask the Governor,” Governor John Bel Edwards talked about his plans for the future, becoming a grandfather for the first-time and traditions to welcome the incoming governor that he along with other Louisiana governors have participated in before leaving office.

Cut 7 (05) “…I depart.” 

And like Governors before him left his he’s signature inside the middle desk drawer.

The new $270 million LIVE! Casino & Hotel in Bossier City is a step closer to its grand opening in 2025. It will be the first land-based casino in the northwest region and President of Cordish Gaming Group Rob Norton says the casino will create 750 permanent jobs and generate over $200 million in economic benefits.

Cut 4 (12) “…of time.”

It’s being built on the site of the former Diamond Jacks casino.

LSU’s 2024 football schedule features several potential Top ten matchups in Tiger Stadium. Assistant Tiger Rag Editor William Weathers says there’s also an interesting non-conference tilt against UCLA, plus Oklahoma makes its first-ever appearance in Tiger Stadium…

Cut 9 (07) “…right there” 

The Alabama game is November 9th and Ole Miss will return to Death Valley on October 12th.

The state constitution only allows a governor to hold office for two consecutive terms. But Governor John Bel Edwards said he would have run for office again if he could have. And even though he and Governor-elect Jeff Landry don’t always agree politically…

Cut 8 (13) “…8 years from now.” 

On Wednesday the House voted for an impeachment inquiry of President Biden, so an investigation can begin to see if the President profited or was involved in any illegal business dealings with his son Hunter Biden. The Advocate Washington Bureau Chief Mark Ballard believes the vote along party lines for an impeachment inquiry is merely pressure from far-right conservatives on Speaker Mike Johnson.

Cut 12 (11)  “..Ukraine funded.”  

Ballard believes there won’t be enough votes when Congress returns in 2024 for an actual impeachment unless something substantial is uncovered in the inquiry.

And testimony continues in Baton Rouge in the $50 million lawsuit against LSU, brought by former Associate Athletic Director Sharon Lewis for sexual harassment and wrongful termination.

According to The National Federation of Independent Business, Small business owners are pessimistic about future business conditions. Teiko Foxx has more

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

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On his final radion call-in show, Governor Edwards reflected on his time in office and what he’s looking forward to when he leaves next month.

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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Louisiana’s first-ever offshore wind farm is about to be a reality. Colleen Crain has the story.

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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The National Federation of Independent Business index indicates inflation remains the biggest obstacle among small business owners nationwide. NFIB State Director Dawn McVea says sales growth among owners has slowed in the fourth quarter.

Cut 4 (12) “…labor costs.”

The national report found optimism decreased by one point in November to 90 points marking the 23^rd consecutive month below the 50-year average of 98. McVea says 40 percent of owners reported job openings that were hard to fill.

Cut 5 (08) “…other problem.”

Owners expecting better business conditions over the next six months deteriorated by one point. McVea says spending and plans to spend by small business owners remains weak. She says lower borrowing costs could help restore growth for owners.

Cut 6 (12) “…they’re business.”

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The Department of Transportation and Development headquarters has a new name. The building has been named after P.B.S. Pinchback, Louisiana’s first Black Governor who served from 1872 to 1873. DOTD Secretary Eric Kalivoda says this is a move towards equitability not only for the city but for the state.

Cut 7 (11) “…of him.”

Kalivoda says the name designation in honor of Pinchback is well deserved.

Cut 8 (10) “…do this.” 

Senator Ed Price filed a bill in the last legislative session to name the building after Pinchback. He says he chose DOTD headquarters as the location…

Cut 9 (12)  “…do it.”

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Governor John Bel Edwards held his last monthly call-in radio program Wednesday. He says it was when he was serving in the legislature and Governor Bobby Jindal was entering his second term that motivated him to seek the state’s highest office for himself.

Cut 10 (14) “…were governor.”

The state constitution does not allow a governor to serve more than two consecutive terms and when asked if he could have run for office again?

Cut 11 (13) “…just fine.” 

Edwards and First Lady Donna Edwards will be grandparents for the first time in January. In addition to doting on the newest addition to their family, he says they’re also looking forward to like driving his classic 1966 Chevrolet truck, whenever and wherever they want…

Cut 12 (11) “…do that.” 

First Lady Donna Edward joined the governor on his 93^rd and final radio call-in show. You can listen to the show in its entirety at LouisianaRadioNetwork.com.

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Louisiana’s first-ever offshore wind farm is about to be a reality. On Wednesday, Governor John Bel Edwards and Department of Natural Resources Secretary Tom Harris announced the approval of property agreements with Diamond Offshore Wind and Cajun Wind off Terrebonne, Lafourche, and Cameron parishes. Patrick Courreges with DNR…

Cut 13 (12) “…we already have.”

Each company will eventually pay the Bayou State a royalty on what they produce but Courreges says the agreements are in place and the state will not have to wait to be paid…

Cut 14 (11) “…pay a cut.” 

Courreges says rental payments and eventual royalties are not the only economic benefits Louisiana will gain from the wind farms…

Cut 15 (12) “…support industries.”

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Saints quarterback Derek Carr was a full participant at practice Wednesday as New Orleans is preparing to host the New York Giants on Sunday. Carr threw for only 119 yards in last Sunday’s win against Carolina as he was limited in practice last week because of injuries. Carr says he feels better this week and believes it was important to play against the Panthers even if he wasn’t 100 percent…

Cut 16 (19) “…long way.”

Taysom Hill and Rashid Shaheed returned to practice yesterday after missing the Panthers win. But Chris Olave did not practice because of an ankle injury.

Thirty-seven-year-old tight end Jimmy Graham had a season-high two catches last Sunday including a touchdown catch. Carr says even though Graham has just four catches on the year, he’s a big part of the team…

Cut 17 (14) “…about em”

The Saints are 6-7 and in a three-way tie for first place in the NFC South. It’s been an up-and-down year for the Black and Gold, but Carr says they’ve got four more games to get on a roll…

Cut 18 (14)  “…win here.” 

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 Cut 19 (19) “…Southern Miss team.” 

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Cut 20 (20) “…to retain.”

In Bossier Parish, three juveniles have been arrested in connection with Monday night’s murder of an 18-year-old in Haughton. Lt. Matt Gaydos with the Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office says robbery was the motive and there’s a stolen vehicle involved…

cut 7 (11) “…Bossier City”

The suspects are 15, 16, and 17 years old and are from Bossier City.

McNeese State President Daryl Burckel has announced he’s stepping down effective June 30th after seven years as the school’s leader. Burckel led the school through a couple of difficult years with the Covid pandemic and then Hurricane Laura. He’s been working in higher education for 31 years and doesn’t plan on going too far….

cut 5 (12) “…teaching”

The bird flu outbreak that arrived in the Bayou State last year by infected waterfowl is back again. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 2 (30)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.” 

And Governor John Bel Edwards along with First Lady Donna Edwards hosted his last call-in radio show today and he offered his successor, Governor-elect Jeff Landry some advice…

Cut 24 easier. :06

Edwards and his wife plan to return to their home in Tangipahoa Parish and welcome their first grandchild next month.

In Bossier Parish, three juveniles have been arrested after an 18-year-old Houghton teen was found dead in a parking lot Monday night. Sheriff’s Office Lt. Matt Gaydos says the suspects, ages 15, 16, and 17 are from Bossier City. He says it’s always heartbreaking to see a life end way too soon. As for the suspects…

Cut 8 (07) “…a shame.” 

The investigation is ongoing.

State Wildlife says the bird flu is wiping out waterfowl in the state for a second year. State Veterinarian Dr. Jim Lacour says cases have been found in southwestern and northeastern Louisiana.

Cut 9 (13) “…municipal ponds.” 

He says fall migration has created the resurgence.

The seventh-ranked LSU Lady Tigers set a school record for most points scored in a game last night in a 133-to-44 win over McNeese. The 89-point win is also a school record for the largest margin of victory. After a slow start, Coach Kim Mulkey says she asked the players to pick up the intensity…

Cut 13 (11) “…better” 

LSU will host Northwestern State on Sunday.

McNeese State President Daryl Burckel announces his plans to leave his role by June 30^th. He’s served as president for seven years and when asked about his plans for the future…

Cut 5 (12) “ …and teaching.”  

During his presidency, a $40 million state-of-the-art Legacy Center which seats more than four thousand people was constructed

Former LSU Associate AD Sharon Lewis’ 50-million-dollar sexual harassment, race-based, and gender-based retaliation lawsuit against LSU is underway. On Tuesday a witness claimed LSU running backs coach Frank Wilson made unwanted sexual advances when she was an intern in the recruiting office. Tiger Rag Editor Todd Horne is covering the trial….

Cut 13 (10) “…Sharon Lewis.”

Unless the state Supreme Court opts to hear arguments in the Caddo Parish Sheriff’s race case, it looks like there will be another election in March between Henry Whitehorn and John Nickelson. It was already a heated race and political analyst Scott Hughes expects things will continue to simmer.

Cut 12 (09) “…and March.” 

In Bossier Parish, three juveniles have been arrested in connection with the murder of a Houghton teen. The sheriff’s office says the 18-year-old victim was found dead in a parking lot from an apparent gunshot wound Monday night. Investigators say the suspects and victim were acquainted. One suspect was arrested early Tuesday morning and faces murder charges, the other two were arrested later in the day.

Governor John Bel Edwards last monthly call-in radio show, “Ask the Governor” airs today. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

As of this morning, there have been no homicides for the month in New Orleans. And President of the Metropolitan Crime Commission Rafael Goyeneche says other violent crimes are down. He credits NOPD’s return to proactive policing…

Cut 4 (10) “…several years.”

He says the pandemic limited proactive policing.

A Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries agent receives North America’s highest honor for civilian heroism, the Carnegie Medal. In 2022, Sergeant Stephen Rhodes saved nine people including a seven-year-old girl when their boat capsized. He says he didn’t hesitate, removed his gear, and jumped in the water.

Cut 4 (08) “…and fixed.”

After two rounds of CPR, she made a full recovery…

LSU Health Shreveport has opened the doors to a new 79-million-dollar state-of-the-art medical facility. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 2 (34)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”