5:30 pm LRN Newscast Dec. 23, 2019

Four men were arrested in Donaldsonville when authorities followed a tip thee received about alleged dog fighting activity at a residence. Ascension Sheriff Bobby Webre (Web-burr) says cases of animal cruelty will always be taken seriously and that Ascension parish will not tolerate dogfighting.

Cut 14 (10) “…bond.”

Deputies have charged, 30-year-old Jarret Bringier of Darrow, along with three Donaldsonville residents, 36-year-old Joseph Duncan, 37-year-old Keith Williams Junior and 32-year-old Joshua Jones.

According to Louisiana State Police, 75 percent of the roadway fatalities during the 2018 Christmas holiday season were related to alcohol impairment.  State Trooper Michael Reichardt says never get behind the wheel if you are impaired or in the vehicle with a driver who is cannot drive safely due alcohol or drug impairment.

Cut 5 (11) “one too many”

For the latest road conditions visit 511-LA-dot-org or dial 511 from any cell phone in Louisiana.

There’s a chance LSU’s leading rusher could play Saturday against Oklahoma. Jeff Palermo has the story….
cut 2 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

A new year appears to be bringing a new crop to Louisiana. Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain expects Louisiana to receive federal approval to allow hemp licenses to be issued to Louisiana farmers by the first of January.

The commissioner says obtaining one of those licenses is a bit of a lengthy process because of regulation requirements. However, Strain says that so far, it appears Louisiana growers are intrigued by the plant’s possibilities…

Cut 6 (10) “…the road.”

Strain expects the next session to be held on January 8th or 9th.

4:30 pm LRN Newscast Dec. 23, 2019

Troopers are partnering with law enforcement across the state as part of the national “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign. State Trooper Michael (RIKE-HEART) Reichardt says to add a designated driver to your holiday list of things to accomplish.

Cut 4 (07) “…drink and drive”

According to Louisiana State Police 16 people were killed over last year’s holiday season and 12 of those fatalities were alcohol-related.

Over 300 Louisiana farmers have attended hemp seminars as Ag Commissioner Mike Strain says federal approval for local production is imminent…

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle

The New Orleans Saints regular season will wrap up on Sunday against the Carolina Panthers. The flue de lis (floor-uh-dee-lee) team still has a chance at snagging the number one seed which will earn them a home-field advantage in the NFC playoffs.

NFL Analyst Mike Detillier (D-eh-tool-yea) says New Orleans must beat the Panthers and hope a couple of teams lose…

Cut 10 (10) “…hands”

The Saints are 13-2 on the road over the last two seasons.

Ascension parish sheriff deputies raided what they believe was dog fighting activity in Donaldsonville. Four arrests were made and the search is on for others allegedly involved in dog fighting at a residence.

Ascension Sheriff Bobby Webre says they received a tip about dog fighting. When deputies arrived approximately 15 people scattered from the scene with a dog fight was in progress.

Cut 12 (10) “…just horrible”

Authorities say some suspects under arrest have a 30-thousand dollar bond.

330PM LRN News

Detectives are looking for 34-year-old Blake Chatman, 32-year-old Kenneth Miller and 50-year-old Michael Williams, all of Donaldsonville in connection with a dog fighting bust. Ascension Sheriff Bobby Webre says there was an active dogfight going on as police arrived…

Cut 14 (10) “…bond.”

Deputies have charged 30-year-old Jarret Bringier of Darrow, and 36-year-old Joseph Duncan, 37-year-old Keith Williams Junior and 32-year-old Joshua Jones of Donaldsonville.

Ag Commissioner Mike Strain expects Louisiana will receive federal approval to begin selling hemp licenses to state farmers by the first of January. Despite widespread interest not everyone will be allowed to get a hemp license. Because hemp is a cousin of the marijuana plant, Strain says applicants will have to complete a State Police background check after applying…

Cut 7 (05) “…years”

As more people take to the roads for holiday celebrations Louisiana State Police want to remind motorists to take action to prevent accidents. State Trooper Michael Reichardt says never get behind the wheel when impaired and always buckle up.

Cut 3 (09) “…up correctly.”

For the latest road conditions visit 511-LA-dot-org or dial 511 from any cell phone in Louisiana.

The Saints Michael Thomas is making a case as one of the best wide receivers ever. In Sunday’s 38-28 win over Tennessee, Thomas set the record for most receptions in an NFL season. He’s caught more passes and has more receiving yards than any other player during their first four years in the league. NFL Analyst Mike Detillier…

Cut 9 (10) “…this game”

The Saints finish the regular season on Sunday against Carolina. 

230PM LRN News

There’s a chance LSU’s leading rusher could play Saturday against Oklahoma…

cut  2 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

Four people have been arrested and the search is on for three others allegedly involved in a dog fighting case in Donaldsonville. Ascension Sheriff Bobby Webre says arrest were made and drugs, guns and dog fighting paraphernalia were seized….

Cut 13 (10) “  terrible

Ag Commissioner Mike Strain expects Louisiana will receive federal approval to begin selling hemp licenses to state farmers by the first of January. There’s a few hoops to jump through first, including a background check. Even after passing the background check, Strain says you won’t be able to put seeds in the ground until after they verify the product will be profitable, and legal…

Cut 8 (11) “THC-A.”

Saints WR Mike Thomas breaks the NFL record for catches in a season in Sunday’s 38-28 win over Tennessee. Despite the big win, it’s looking unlikely that the Saints will secure home field in the playoffs, and if they have to go on the road they’ll need a healthy line to establish the run game.  NFL Analyst Mike Detillier says the team was down two starters Sunday…

Cut 11 (10) “out there”

1:30 LRN Newscast 12/23

Over 300 Louisiana farmers have attended hemp seminars as Ag Commissioner Mike Strain says federal approval for local production is imminent…

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle 

According to Wildlife and Fisheries agents believe at least one bald eagle and possibly a second was killed in Northwest Louisiana. Enforcement Division spokesperson Adam Einck (rhymes with Heinch) says they believe it happened in the Lake Claiborne area but not at the state park. No other details were given as the case remains under investigation.

According to LSP during the Christmas holidays last year, 16 people were killed and 12 of those fatalities were alcohol-related. As part of Operation” Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over,” LSP Trooper Michael Reichardt says never get behind the wheel or in the vehicle with someone who is impaired.

Cut 5 (11) “one too many”

For the latest road conditions visit 511-LA-dot-org or dial 511 from any cell phone in Louisiana.

Four people have been arrested and the search is on for three others allegedly involved in a dog fighting case in Donaldsonville. Ascension Sheriff Bobby Webre says they received a tip about dog fighting taking place at a residence and when deputies arrived about 15 people fled the scene where a dog fight was in progress

Cut 12 (10) “…just horrible” 

12:30 LRN Newscast Dec 23

Troopers are partnering with law enforcement across the state in operation of the national “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign. LSP State Trooper Michael Reichardt says to add a designated driver to your holiday list of things to do.

Cut 4 (07) “…drink and drive”

According to LSP during the Christmas holidays last year, 16 people were killed and 12 of those fatalities were alcohol-related.

Ag Commissioner Mike Strain expects Louisiana will receive federal approval to begin selling hemp licenses to state farmers by the first of January. Not everyone will be allowed to get a hemp license. Because hemp is a cousin of the marijuana plant, Strain says applicants will have to complete a State Police background check after applying…

Cut 7 (05) “…years”

The Saints finish the regular season on Sunday against Carolina. The Black and Gold can still get the number one seed and home-field advantage in the NFC playoffs. NFL Analyst Mike Detillier says New Orleans must beat the Panthers and hope a couple of teams lose…

Cut 10 (10) “…hands”

The Saints are 13-2 on the road over the last two seasons. Kickoff for the Saints is Sunday at noon in Charlotte.

1130AM LRN News

Ag Commissioner Mike Strain expects Louisiana will receive federal approval to begin selling hemp licenses to state farmers by the first of January. Strain says obtaining one of those licenses is a bit of a lengthy process due to how regulated the industry is, but so far it appears Louisiana growers are intrigued by the plant’s possibilities…

Cut 6, 10 seconds, the road

Strain expects the next session to be held January 8th or 9th.

The Saints Michael Thomas is making a case as one of the best wide receivers ever. In Sunday’s 38-28 win over Tennessee, Thomas set the record for most receptions in an NFL season. He’s caught more passes and has more receiving yards than any other player during their first four years in the league. NFL Analyst Mike Detillier…

Cut 9 (10) “…this game”

The federal government is raising the minimum smoking and vaping age to 21 nationwide. Brooke Thorington has more on what that means for Louisiana…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington” 

State Police are warning drivers to stay off the roads if they’ve been out drinking with friends or family at holiday parties. The roads will likely be packed over the next few days and  State Trooper Michael Reichardt says along with refusing to drink and drive, always remember to buckle up…

Cut 3 (09) “…up correctly.”

10:30 LRN Newscast 12/23

The Louisiana Workforce Commission says total private employment has seen an increase in jobs over the year for 21 consecutive months. Also, seasonally adjusted nonfarm employment is at its highest level since 2015, and Workforce Commission Chief Economist Ali Bustamante says the state added 41-hundred jobs from October to November.

Cut 4 (09) “year” The state’s unemployment rate fell slightly over the year to 4.7 percent in November.

The federal legal age to buy tobacco and vaping products is set to increase to 21-years-old as a result of legislation approved by Congress. Louisiana Health Secretary Rebekah Gee says any hurdle to keep tobacco products out of the hands of teens could prevent them from becoming smokers and save the state money in future medical care. Cut 8 (05) “…these products.”

LSU fans return to Atlanta later this week for the semifinal matchup against Oklahoma in the Peach Bowl. Jeff Palermo has the story… Cut 3 (30) “ I’m Jeff Palermo”

The Saints pulled off a win yesterday against the Titans in Nashville and could earn the #1 seed and first-round bye if the following three scenarios happen on Monday Night Football tonight and Week 17. The Vikings have to defeat the Packers tonight, the Saints have to defeat the Panthers and the Seahawks have to defeat the 49s on Sunday.

530PM LRN News

The Louisiana Gaming Control Board allows the Lake Charles based Isle of Capri riverboat casino to move on land, L-G-C-B Chairman Ronnie Jones says the 112 million dollar facility is proof that the Legislature made the right call allowing casinos to make the move back in 2017…

Cut 10 (09) “…running”

The new facility will have 72,000 square feet of gaming space.

St Tammany Parish is about to see major job growth. Medline Industries will build a distribution center that will create more than 460 new jobs near Covington. Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Don Pierson says the $53-million-dollar medical supply facility will be a major boon for the state.

Cut 12 (11) “…facility” 

The National Retail Federation Estimates nearly 148-million U-S consumers will shop on super Saturday, up from 134-million last year. LSU marketing professor Dan Rice says here are some good deals to be had in the final shopping days before Christmas. But he says do a little research beforehand to make sure you are truly getting a great deal…

Cut 5 (08) “smart phone”

According to AAA a third of the country will be in transit over the holidays, either by plane, trains or automobiles.  AAA Spokesperson Don Redman says AAA estimates a 5 percent increase in air travelers this year, so show up to the airport ealier than you normally would.

Cut 8 (05) “the holidays.”

Redman says the busiest travel day in the skies will be December 26th, and the official traffic season begins this weekend and ends January 1st.

430PM LRN News

The Louisiana Gaming Control Board approves plans for Lake Charles based Isle of Capri riverboat casino to move on land, the first facility to make the jump 18 months after the Legislature ok’d such moves. The plan is to shutter the riverboat and build a 112.7 million dollar facility right nearby. L-G-C-B Chairman Ronnie Jones says the plan is a major expansion in food offerings…

Cut 9 (10) “…steakhouse”

Capri is just off I-10 west of Lake Charles.

According to AAA a third of the country will be in transit over the holidays, either by plane, trains or automobiles.  AAA Spokesperson Don Redman says be prepared to pay more at the pump this year if you’re traveling by car.

Cut 7 (07) “…several days”

Redman says gas prices should drop going into the New Year.

___________________

The National Retail Federation estimates nearly 148-million U-S consumers will shop on super Saturday. That’s up from 134-million last year. SU marketing professor Dan Rice says there are some good deals to be had in the final shopping days before Christmas. But he says do a little research beforehand to make sure you are truly getting a great deal…

Cut 5 (08) “smart phone”

St Tammany Parish is about to see major job growth. Medline Industries will build a distribution center that will create more than 460 new jobs near Covington. Economic Development Secretary Pierson says a strong workforce for companies to draw from and Interstates 12 and 55 near the area make the location very attractive for industry.

Cut 14 (06) “…distribution.”

Also in St Tammany, Ampirical, is expected to create 400 new jobs over the next decade with an average salary of $85-thousand, as they construction corporate headquarters in the parish.