The lone surviving passenger from Saturday’s fatal plane crash in Lafayette that killed five people remains in critical condition, but there is hope Wade Berzas will survive despite burns to over 75-percent of his body. Doctor Joey Barrios, medical director of the Our Lady of Lourdes Burn Unit, says Berzas is recovering after undergoing a two-hour surgery today…
Cut 12 (08) “…unwavering faith” 
Barrios says Berzas has a long journey ahead, but he’ll receive around the clock care.
A Judge temporarily halts a California law banning the sale of alligator products in the Golden State, a law officials say would devastate gator conservation efforts in the Bayou State.  The gator population is thriving in Louisiana, with over two million in the wild, and 800,000 on farms, and Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries General Counsel Cole Garrett says the ruling buys Louisiana time to save them…

Cut 7 (07) “…merits.”

Two teens from Morse are dead following a wreck on I-10 in Acadia Parish just before 8 o’clock last night.  Trooper Thomas Gossen says impairment is unknown, but it appears the driver may have been competing with another vehicle.

Cut 4 (08) “…are not determined.”

Both men were pronounced dead at the scene.  The crash remains under investigation.
50-year-old Felicia Payne of Alexandria is behind bars for the holidays after allegedly drunk driving into the State Police Troop E building.

State Police Trooper Scott Moreau says thankfully Payne didn’t hit anyone after crashing into the office, but she did cause extensive damage.

Cut 9, 11 seconds, sample

Moreau says the it was a real shock for troopers to have a drunk driver plow into their office at 5 AM.

A Judge temporarily halts a California law banning the sale of alligator products in the Golden State, a law officials say would devastate gator conservation efforts in the Bayou State. Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries General Counsel Cole Garrett says it’s good news because the California fashion industry buys a lot of gator products, which pays for conservation.

Cut 6, 10 seconds, in place

The new rule was the result of a California law passed in the 60s.

LSU stormed past Oklahoma Saturday and is one win away from the National Championship, but If they want to raise the trophy on January 13^th, the Tigers will have to be the first team to beat Clemson since 2017. Tiger Rag Editor Ron Higgins…

Cut 14 (09) “disrespected”

They’ll also have to hand Clemson QB, Trevor Lawrence, his first-ever collegiate loss.

2019 was a memorable year for Louisiana.  Kevin Barnhart takes a look back.

Cut 2 (52) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

Five people are confirmed dead after a small twin-engine plane crashes in Lafayette, just over 2 miles from Lafayette Regional Airport this morning.  The plane landed in a post office parking lot & skidded into a field, after crashing into a car.  Six people were on board the plane at the time of the crash. One person suffered serious burns and a bystander was injured.  The cause of the crash is under investigation.

It’s game day for LSU with Peach Bowl kickoff set for 3PM. The Tigers are a 13.5 point favorite over the Sooners in a game that is expected by Vegas to be an absolute shootout with the over under set at 76 total points. LSU’s star running back, Clyde Edwards-Helaire is still a game time decision today, and Coach Ed Orgeron says if he had to guess, he’d say the back will play, but in a limited fashion.

Senator John Kennedy is throwing his support behind the reauthorization of an act that has provided resources to help victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. The Violence Against Women Act, originally enacted in 1994, expired in February. Kennedy says this bill’s renewal will help combat a slew of issues.
Cut 9 (07) “…female genital mutilation.”

Kennedy says some of his colleagues are attempting to inject the issue of gun control into the bill, which has caused delays in it’s final passage.
Louisiana is the first state in the nation to receive authorization from the USDA to distribute industrial hemp licenses. It’s the culmination of a process that began earlier this year in the Legislature when Louisiana growers told lawmakers they were interested in taking advantage of a new federal ruling on the crop. Ag Commissioner Mike Strain…
Cut 12 (06) “…fruition

Tigers fans have packed into Atlanta ahead of today’s 3PM kickoff against Oklahoma, and the Louisiana faithful are already showing up big with reports that the official LSU team hotel ran out of bottled beer more than 25 hours before kickoff. On the field it looks like star running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire is still a game-time decision, but coach Orgeron told reporters yesterday that he suspects the running back will play, but with limited snaps.

New legislation is in motion to renew the Violence Against Women Act…

cut  2 (32) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”

A few things need to go right Sunday for the Saints to win home-field advantage in the playoffs, starting with a win at Carolina, along with losses for the 49ers and Packers. Both the Saints and Packers play at 12PM on FOX, so unless you have Sunday Ticket you’ll have to track the game on your phone. Tight end Jared Cook says the players can’t let the Packers game distract them.

Cut 4 (10) “…they may”

The Packers play the 3-11-1 Lions, and are 12.5 point favorites. The 9ers have the night game, and are 3 point favorites over Seattle.

Louisiana is the first state in the nation to receive authorization from the USDA to distribute industrial hemp licenses. The news doesn’t mean any farmer can start putting hemp seeds in the ground. Because the product is highly regulated, Ag Commissioner Mike Strain says you’ll first have to pass a background check…

Cut 13 (10) “forestry    

LSU plays Oklahoma in the Peach Bowl Today at 3 PM. Coach Ed Orgeron says star running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire is still a game-time decision, but is likely to play, if in a limited fashion.

The Saints need a win Sunday in Carolina, and a Packers or 49ers loss to get a playoff bye-week. The Black and Gold had the luxury of resting starters last year but no dice this season. QB Drew Brees says it’s all hands on deck.

Cut 3 (09) “…possible”

The Louisiana Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority releases its Fiscal Year 2021 annual plan.  The plan anticipates investing $958 million into the state’s coast. CPRA Executive Director Bren Haase says various factors are in place to make this the largest spending plan in the history of the coastal program.

Cut 6 (11) “…to the state.”

Louisiana gets authorization from the USDA to begin offering industrial hemp licenses.  Ag Commissioner Mike Strain says those interested in growing the crop have to acquire one of four licenses, depending on what they do…

Cut 14 (13) “…seed.”

The fourth is a license for those hired to be contract carriers.

Senator John Kennedy backs an effort to reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act, which he says has been delayed due to Democrats insistence that gun control issues be included in the bill. He is resisting efforts to include legislation targeting suspected domestic abusers’ weapons…

Cut 11 (06) “…a messaging bill.”

The Violence Against Women Act, originally enacted in 1994, expired in February. 

The Louisiana Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority releases its Fiscal Year 2021 annual plan anticipated to put $958 million into the coast.
Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Michael Farrar.”

It’s game day for LSU with Peach Bowl kickoff set for 3PM. The Tigers are a 13.5 point favorite over the Sooners in a game that is expected by Vegas to be an absolute shootout with the over under set at 76 total points. LSU’s star running back, Clyde Edwards-Helaire is still a game time decision today, and Coach Ed Orgeron says if he had to guess, he’d say the back will play, but in a limited fashion.

Senator John Kennedy is throwing his support behind the reauthorization of an act that has provided resources to help victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. The Violence Against Women Act, originally enacted in 1994, expired in February. Kennedy says this bill’s renewal will help combat a slew of issues.
Cut 9 (07) “…female genital mutilation.”

Kennedy says some of his colleagues are attempting to inject the issue of gun control into the bill, which has caused delays in it’s final passage.
Louisiana is the first state in the nation to receive authorization from the USDA to distribute industrial hemp licenses. It’s the culmination of a process that began earlier this year in the Legislature when Louisiana growers told lawmakers they were interested in taking advantage of a new federal ruling on the crop. Ag Commissioner Mike Strain…
Cut 12 (06) “…fruition

New legislation is in motion to renew the Violence Against Women Act. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

cut 2 (32) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”

The Saints best chance of at least securing a bye-week is the Sunday Night matchup between the Seattle Seahawks and San Francisco 49ers. Last year, The Saints had resting starters but that’s not the case this time.

However, even if the Packers win, Drew Brees knows a Seattle Seahawks victory could give them much needed rest.

Cut 5 (10) “game”

The Packers play the Detroit Lions, and are favored to win according to the oddsmakers.

$718 million will be allocated toward coastal construction under the Louisiana Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority’s Fiscal Year 2021 plan.

CPRA Executive Director Bren Haase says their plan should invest $958 million into the state’s coast. Haase says sixteen dredging projects are slated to be part of that construction.

Cut 7 (12) “…of new land.”

The plan is scheduled to begin on July 1st of 2020.

Even though Louisiana is the first state in the nation that US Department of Agriculture authorized to distribute industrial hemp licenses don’t plant hemp seeds without following all of the rules and regulations.

Ag Commissioner Mike Strain anyone interested must first come to the state and pass a background check.

Cut 13 (10) “forestry.”

The Saints suit up to take on the Carolina Panthers on Sunday. The Panthers record stands at 5 and 10 on the year.

The timing has both the Saints playing Carolina at noon on Sunday while the Packers play the Detroit Lions at the same time. If the Packers lose, the Saints may get to bring a playoff game to New Orleans.

Saints tight end, Jared Cook says the players should not allow the Packers game distract them.

Cut 4 (10) “…they may”

The Louisiana Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority’s Fiscal Year 2021 annual plan is set to plug $958 million into the state’s coast.

CPRA Executive Director Bren Haase says the projected new land created is expected to outpace the average annual rate of land loss.

Cut 8 (07) “…state of Louisiana.”

Haase says this the largest spending plan in the history of the coastal program.

Senator John Kennedy supports the reauthorization of Violence Against Women Act that had lapsed back in February 2019. The act had been in place since 1994 and had provided resources to help victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.

Kennedy says violence against women is a serious problem, and over the years, the act has helped fund avenues to improve the situation.

Cut 10 (10) “…social service agencies.”

Kennedy says this bill’s renewal will help combat a slew of issues.

Louisiana is the first state in the nation to receive authorization from the USDA to distribute industrial hemp licenses. Earlier this year, Louisiana growers told lawmakers they were interested in taking advantage of a new federal ruling on the crop.

Ag Commissioner Mike Strain says…

Cut 12 (06) “…fruition

The Louisiana Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority releases its Fiscal Year 2021 annual plan anticipated to put $958 million into the coast. Michael Farrar has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Michael Farrar.” 

_____________________

New legislation is in motion to renew the Violence Against Women Act. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

cut  2 (32) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”

___________________________

A few things need to go right Sunday for the Saints to win home field advantage in the playoffs, starting with a win at Carolina, along with losses for the 49ers and Packers.

The Black and Gold had the luxury of resting starters last year but no dice this season. QB Drew Brees says even though it’s a long shot, there’s still a chance of home field, so it’s all hands on deck Sunday.

Cut 3 (09) “…possible”

The Panthers at 5-10 on the year, and fired longtime coach Ron Rivera, who coached the team when the Saints won a squeaker earlier this year 34-31.

Both the Saints and Packers play at 12PM on FOX, so unless you have Sunday Ticket you’ll have to track the game on your phone. Tight end Jared Cook says the players can’t let the Packers game distract them.

Cut 4 (10) “…they may”

The Packers play the 3-11-1 Lions, and are 12.5 point favorites.

The Saints best chance of at least securing a bye-week is the Sunday Night matchup between the Seahawks and 49ers. Even if the Packers win, Brees knows a Seattle victory could give them much needed rest.

Cut 5 (10) “game”

_______________________

The Louisiana Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority releases its Fiscal Year 2021 annual plan.  The plan anticipates investing $958 million into the state’s coast. CPRA Executive Director Bren Haase says various factors are in place to make this the largest spending plan in the history of the coastal program.

Cut 6 (11) “…to the state.”

The plan begins July 1, 2020

$718 million will be allocated toward construction.  Haase says sixteen dredging projects are slated to be part of that construction.

Cut 7 (12) “…of new land.”

Haase says the projected new land is expected to outpace the average annual rate of land loss.

Cut 8 (07) “…state of Louisiana.”

_________________________________

Senator John Kennedy is throwing his support behind the reauthorization of an act that has provided resources to help victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. The Violence Against Women Act, originally enacted in 1994, expired in February.  Kennedy says this bill’s renewal will help combat a slew of issues.

Cut 9 (07) “…female genital mutilation.”

Kennedy says violence against women is a serious problem, and over the years, the act has helped fund avenues to improve the situation.

Cut 10 (10) “…social service agencies.”

Kennedy says some of his colleagues are attempting to inject the issue of gun control into the bill, efforts that he is leaning against.

Cut 11 (06) “…a messaging bill.”

______________________

Louisiana is the first state in the nation to receive authorization from the USDA to distribute industrial hemp licenses.

It’s the culmination of a process that began earlier this year in the Legislature when Louisiana growers told lawmakers they were interested in taking advantage of a new federal ruling on the crop. Ag Commissioner Mike Strain…

Cut 12 (06) “…fruition 

The news doesn’t mean any farmer can start putting hemp seeds in the ground. Because the product is highly regulated, Strain says you’ll have to come to the state first and pass a background check.

Cut 13 (10) “forestry    

Those interested in growing will have to get one of four licenses…

Cut 14 (13) “…seed.”

The fourth is a license for those hired to be contract carriers.

_________________________________________________

LSU coach Ed Orgeron and Oklahoma coach Lincoln Riley met for a joint press conference that was mostly full of praise for each other’s season, in particular, each team’s offensive prowess.

Riley knows a thing or two about offense having engineered top 3 scoring teams in the last three years in a row. He says the Joe Brady created spread at LSU is among the most creative he’s ever seen…

Cut 15 (16) “…played.”

Riley is an oft mentioned candidate for an NFL coaching job.

Orgeron praised Riley’s unique spread scheme, but says former Bama QB and transfer Jalen Hurts’ talent and hard work make it dangerous in ways that are tough to predict

Cut 16  (21)  …well” 

LSU star RB Cylde Edwards-Helaire is still officially a game-time decision. Orgeron’s best guess is that he plays, but in a limited capacity.

A few things need to go right Sunday for the Saints to win home field advantage in the playoffs, starting with a win at Carolina, along with losses for the 49ers and Packers. The Black and Gold had the luxury of resting starters last year but no dice this season. QB Drew Brees says even though it’s a long shot, there’s still a chance of home field, so it’s all hands on deck Sunday.

Cut 3 (09) “…possible”

The Panthers at 5-10 on the year.

Louisiana is the first state in the nation to receive authorization from the USDA to distribute industrial hemp licenses.The news doesn’t mean any farmer can start putting hemp seeds in the ground. Because the product is highly regulated, Ag Commissioner Mike Strain says you’ll have to come to the state first and pass a background check.

Cut 13 (10) “forestry    

The Louisiana Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority releases its Fiscal Year 2021 annual plan anticipated to put $958 million into the coast. Michael Farrar has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Michael Farrar.” 

Senator John Kennedy is throwing his support behind the reauthorization of an act that has provided resources to help victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. The Violence Against Women Act, originally enacted in 1994, expired in February.  Kennedy says some of his colleagues are attempting to inject the issue of gun control into the bill, efforts that he is leaning against.

Cut 11 (06) “…a messaging bill.”