An LSU Health New Orleans School of Medicine professor details the first reported case and treatment of stagnant blood flow with an astronaut stationed at the International Space Station. Kevin Barnhart has the story

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

________________________________________

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife will stock 13 fishing sites later this month with rainbow trout as part of the “Get Out and Fish” community fishing program. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart.” 

____________________________________________

The countdown is on for next Monday’s national championship game between LSU and Clemson. Matt Doyle has more…

Cut 3 (30)  “… I’m Matt Doyle” 

____________________________________________

An LSU Health New Orleans School of Medicine professor details the treatment of a  blood clot involving an astronaut on the International Space Station. Dr. Serena Aunon-Chancellor is the lead author of the paper and she says the findings demonstate that the human body reaction to space travel still surprises us…

Cut 4 (11) “…moon or Mars.”

An ultrasound performed about two months into the mission revealed a blood clot in one astronaut. It’s the first time NASA had encountered this condition in space before. The astronaut took blood thinners to shrink the clot and it was eventually gone 10 days after the astronaut returned to earth.

Aunon-Chancellor says the paper details how the astronaut was treated while in orbit.

Cut 5 (08) “…here on earth.”

Aunon-Chancellor says it is a huge honor to have her paper published in the New England Journal of Medicine…

Cut 6 (10) “…much broader community.”

_________________________________________________

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries will stock 13 fishing sites around Louisiana later this month with rainbow trout.  LDWF fisheries biologist Megan MacMenamin says it is all part of the “Get Out and Fish” community fishing program.

Cut 7 (10) “…state of Louisiana.”

Rainbow trout is a cold-water fish, and will only be able to survive in Louisiana during winter months.  MacMenamin says by doing the stocking, it really increases an angler’s odds of catching a fish.

Cut 8 (08) “…bit more appeal.”

MacMenamin says the fish being stocked are adult rainbow trouts that are about one to two pounds in weight, but they could get much bigger.

Cut 9 (07) “…1 to 2 pounds.”

________________________________________

A big weekend of national championship game events kicks-off  Saturday with a fan fest at the Morial Convention Center in New Orleans and musical acts performing at Woldenberg Park. New Orleans host committee executive director Jeff Hundley says fans can also participate in media day at Xavier University on Saturday

Cut 10 (11) “…been held”

On Sunday night at Mardi Gras World, it’s the Taste of the Championship. Local residents and fans can sample gourmet food and drinks. Proceeds benefit the CFP Foundation’s Extra Yard for Teachers Initiative.

Hundley says even though Baton Rouge is just up the road from New Orleans, they expect hotel capacity in New Orleans to be close to capacity…

Cut 11 (08) “…have you”

_______________________________________________________

For the second year in a row, the Saints lose a home postseason game in overtime as Minnesota upset the Black and Gold 26-20 in overtime. The Vikings had the better running attack, Kirk Cousins made some big throws and the Saints offense struggled through the first three quarters. Coach Sean Payton says they didn’t lose by a miracle or bad call this time…

Cut 12 (11) follow up game” 

Quarterback Drew Brees threw for 208 yards and a touchdown, but he was also intercepted once and lost a fumble for the first time this year. The 40-year-old Brees says it was a hard-fought game, but it hurts to come up short…

Cut 13 (07) “…disappointing”  (2x)

The Vikings fumbled on their first possession, but the Saints had to settle for a field goal despite great field position. Brees says not scoring a touchdown on the first drive set a bad tone…

Cut 14 (07) “…we did .”

Brees will turn 41-years-old this month but did not want to speculate on his playing future during his postgame press conference. But expressed optimism about the Saints future…

Cut 15 (15) “…free agency”

Brees is in the final year of his contract and could be a free agent in March.

______________________________________________

The Ragin Cajuns go after their 11th victory tonight when they face Miami of Ohio in the Lending Tree Bowl in Mobile, Alabama. The Red Hawks started 2-and-4, but won six of their last seven including the MAC Championship game. Cajuns Coach Billy Napier on what Miami does well…

Cut 16  (25)  …explosive plays” 

UL-Lafayette has never won 11 games in a season. This team features 20 seniors and Napier says it’s a special group led by Kevin Dotson, Jacques Boudreaux and Ja’Marcus Bradley…

Cut 17  (23) “than that” 

_________________________________________________

A week from tonight the LSU Tigers will try to complete a perfect 15-0 season by beating Clemson in the national championship game. Sophomore Tigers linebacker K’Lavon Chaisson has played very well down the stretch and is likely getting ready to play in his final game in purple and gold…

cut 18  (27) special”  

An improved LSU defense faces its biggest test. Clemson has one of the top quarterbacks in the nation in Trevor Lawrence, who is 25-0 as a starter during his college career. Defensive lineman Rashard Lawrence says he is impressed in Lawrence’s ability to run with the football

cut 19 (23)  good game”  

LSU safety Jacoby Stevens is impressed with Clemson’s overall talent on offense…

cut 20 (20) “    NFL throws    ”    

Oil prices have jumped after a U-S airstrike assassination of Iran’s top general. Brooke Thorington on what this means for motorists.

Cut 1 (28) “…I’m Brooke Thorington” 

_____________________

The road to Miami and Super Bowl 54 continues for the Saints on Sunday as they host the Vikings in the wildcard round of the playoffs. Jeff Palermo has a preview…

cut  2 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

___________________________

After a U-S airstrike in Baghdad, oil prices and futures have seen a 4-percent increase so far. GasBuddy-dot-com says we should see gas prices start to rise at the pump over the next week or two at least 5 to ten cents a gallon. But GasBuddy Head of Petroleum Analysis Patrick DeHaan says that all could change.

Cut 3 (12) “…impact.”

DeHaan says we shouldn’t expect a major spike in oil prices overnight, but the situation is very fluid at the moment. However, if the situation worsens there are fears we could see prices hit the $3-a gallon mark.

Cut 4 (10) “…in Louisiana.”

DeHaan says gas prices should be somewhat insulated here seeing as the U-S is producing 7 and a half million more barrels of oil every day than we were a decade ago.

Cut 5 (09) “…wildcard here.”

The average gas price per gallon in Louisiana is $2.31

_______________________

The Saints and Vikings are set to meet for the fifth time in an N-F-L postseason game on Sunday at noon. Minnesota has won three of the four previous meetings, but they are the underdog this time around. NFL analyst Mike Detillier says the Vikings will need a big game out of running back Dalvin Cook

Cut 6 (10) “…thing here”

For the Saints to have success on offense, they’ll need to control Minnesota’s pass rush led by Everson Griffin and former LSU star Danielle Hunter…

Cut 7 (09) “…this game.”

The Saints won 13 regular-season games last year and lost in the N-F-C Title game. New Orleans has 13 wins again in the regular season, but Detillier says the Saints are playing better on offense than a year ago and Drew Brees is a big reason why…

Cut 8 (11) “…on offense.”

_________________________________

The Ragin’ Cajuns are preparing to play Miami of Ohio in the LendingTree Bowl in Mobile, Alabama.  While attendance is expected to be low due to the game taking place on a Monday night, season ticket holder Craig Melancon says the fans making the trip are excited to be there.

Cut 9 (08) “…traveled to Mobile.”

If the game were to fall on a weekend, Melancon expects they would likely have about 10,000 more fans show up.

Melancon says the alumni association has put together a Sunday night event with several of the downtown bars.

Cut 10 (09) “…Mardi Gras parade.”

The team already has ten wins, and Melancon says for them to close out the season with an eleventh victory in Mobile is huge for the program.

Cut 11 (09) “…to Cajun Field.”

Kickoff is at 6:30 Monday night.

______________________

A single-vehicle crash south of Alexandria killed a man from Bunkie and a woman from Marksville. State Police Trooper Casey Wallace says the victims were not buckled up when the driver lost control on Highway 71 early Friday morning…

Cut 12 (10) “…woodline.” 

43-year-old Hoang Thai Nguyen and 40-year-old Le Bui Chatelain were pronounced dead at a hospital. Wallace says they were not wearing a seat belt…

Cut 13 (10) “…like that”

Wallace says routine toxicology tests are pending as the crash remains under investigation

Cut 14 (09) “…what happened”

About six-thousand taxpayers that were sent double tax returns last March have yet to repay the state. Brooke Thorington has more on what they are facing.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington” 

_____________________

29-year-old Jeremy Anderson is arrested in Baton Rouge as the man allegedly behind the premeditated murders of three homeless people last month. Matt Doyle has more…

cut  2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

___________________________

Over six-thousand Louisiana taxpayers have yet to repay the state after a computer glitch last March sent them a double tax refund. Louisiana Department of Revenue spokesperson Byron Henderson says only half of the individuals given an extra refund in error have yet to repay the state.

Cut 3 (10) “…that is owed.”

Henderson says ignoring collection letters for the amount owed will only delay the inevitable.

Cut 4 (10) “…is satisfied.”

Collection efforts include offsetting state and Federal tax returns, wage garnishments and bank levies.

Henderson says procrastinating about what is owed can be costly, late fees are owed on the debt as well.

Cut 5 (07) “…25 percent.”

The total amount of repayment yet to be paid is $1.9 million. If you owe money to the state contact the department to return the amount in a lump sum or set up a repayment plan

_______________________

The Ragin’ Cajuns are mourning the death of former athletics director David Walker.  Walker served in many roles in the administration for more than thirty years, including his run as the interim AD from 2005, then officially taking the reins in 2007 through his retirement in 2010.  Voice of the Ragin Cajuns Jay Walker remembers his impact.

Cut 6 (10) “…really respected him.”

David Walker helped navigate the University and Lafayette communities through the aftermaths of hurricanes Katrina and Rita.  Jay Walker remembers the AD as being an effective fundraiser for the department.

Cut 7 (10) “…was very persuasive.”

Just before his retirement, Walker hired basketball coach Bob Marlin and former football coach Mark Hudspeth.

Cut 8 (10) “…New Orleans Bowls.”

_________________________________

Authorities arrest a suspect in the allegedly premeditated murders of three homeless people in Baton Rouge last month. East Baton Rouge Sheriff Sid Geautreaux says one of his detectives received a tip that led to the arrest of 29-year-old Jeremy Anderson…

Cut 9 (08) “…crimes”

Anderson has been charged with two counts of 1st Degree Murder, and one count of 2nd Degree Murder.

Anderson is thought to have murdered 40-year-old Gregory Corcoran and 53-year-old Christina Fowler December 13^th, and 50-year-old Tony Williams December 27^th. District Attorney Hillar Moore says a crime lab linked the two scenes…

Cut 10 (11) “…person.”

Corcoran and Fowler were found underneath an overpass, and Williams was discovered on the front porch of a vacant residence.

Baton Rouge Police Chief Murphy Paul says Anderson does have a criminal history, and while they don’t have a motive yet, they’re confident it was just a one-man job…

Cut 11 (10) “…presents”

Anderson lived just blocks away from the murders, per the Advocate.

______________________

Out of the four NFL Wildcard playoff games this weekend, the Saints are the biggest favorite. The Saints are eight-point favorites over the Vikings, but oddsmaker consultant Scott Cooley says he could see that line come down before Sunday’s noon kickoff…

Cut 12 (06) “…we’ll see.” 

Cooley says even though the Saints will have to win three playoff games to reach the Super Bowl in Miami, they are one of the favorites to get to south Florida

Cut 13 (12) “…the conference”

Cooley says historically, sports fans like betting on the Saints…

Cut 14 (10) “…those guys.”

A 15-year-old faces first-degree murder for fatally shooting a 74-year-old woman who was in her carport checking on a noise. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (26) “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

_____________________

Infrastructure improvement was widespread throughout the state in 2019.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

cut  2 (30) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”

___________________________

A lot of folks will start the New Year off with a bang, and the State Fire Marshal’s office has safety tips for you before you attempt your amateur pyrotechnics.

Spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue’s first piece of advice for people buying fireworks is: don’t. Instead of risking it in your back yard, go to a public display.

Cut 3 (09) “…around.”

But if you purchase fireworks, make sure they are legal to light in your area. If they are, Rodrigue says buy from a licensed vendor.

Cut 4 (10) “…know.”

Rodrigue says a good rule of thumb is, if you don’t see any fireworks sellers in your area, it’s likely because fireworks are illegal in your jurisdiction.

Once you’ve acquired your certified fireworks from a legal vendor, make sure you find an open space in a legal area to fire them off in…

Cut 5 (12) “…fireworks.”

After the fireworks go off, spray them with a hose, and put them in a disposal bin, where they can be stored away from your home until they are picked up.

_______________________

The N-F-L Network reports that if Ravens defensive coordinator Don Martindale gets a job as a head coach, his top choice as offensive coordinator is LSU passing game coordinator Joe Brady. But LSU Coach Ed Orgeron remains confident Brady will stay in Baton Rouge once a new contract is finalized…

Cut 6 (10) “…LSU”

Brady has been named the top assistant in college football.

Orgeron says senior linebacker Michael Divinity will play in the national championship game against Clemson. Divinity has missed the last six games because he reportedly violated team rules. In five games, Divinity has three sacks and Orgeron expects his role in the title game will be to rush the passer

Cut 7 (12) “…we can”

One of Clemson’s best players on offense is running back Travis Etienne. The Jennings native is an explosive back, who is averaging eight yards a carry and has 18 touchdowns. Orgeron says when he took over for Les Miles, he tried to recruit Etienne to come to LSU…

Cut 8 (12) “…better job of.”

_________________________________

The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund says 128 officers died in the line of duty over the past year, an 18-percent decrease from 2018.The Fund’s CEO Marcia Ferranto says there were four officer deaths in Louisiana

Cut 9 (09) “…physical related death”

Ferranto on why we’ve seen a decline in law enforcement officer fatalities…

Cut 10 (09) “…also helped.”

Shreveport police officer Chateri Payne and Mandeville Police Captain Vincent Liberto were fatally shot. Baton Rouge Police Officer Shane Totty died in a motorcycle accident. Ferranto says shootings and traffic accidents are the reason for most officer deaths while on duty

Cut 11 (10) “…accidents”

East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Deputy Steven Whitstine died from congestive heart failure before crashing while driving to work.

______________________

The Louisiana DOTD had a busy 2019 as the department invested just over $1 billion into nearly 330 infrastructure projects on 942 miles of roadway.  DOTD spokesperson Rodney Mallett says the investment was able to be made in large part because of innovative funding efforts.

Cut 12 (09) “…money this year.” 

Among the projects, the widening of various sections of I-10 and the I-10/Loyola Drive interchange improvements.

Mallett says there were unexpected expenses for emergency situations that came up throughout the year.

Cut 13 (13) “…the state well.”

Back in June, 49-year-old Johnny Cole was killed after being struck by an 18-wheeler near Ruston. Cole was a sign specialist for the department.  Mallett says DOTD is rolling out new safety measures in response.

Cut 14 (09) “…sure they’re safe.”

The department also won the regional award for “Best Use of Technology and Innovation for the new I-49/I-220 interchange in Shreveport.

Five people, including a beloved Louisiana sports reporter, died Saturday after their plane crashed in Lafayette. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

________________________________________

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

Cut 2 (52) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

____________________________________________

LSU looks unstoppable after devastating Oklahoma in the Peach Bowl, but two weeks from in the Championship they face a Clemson team that hasn’t lost since 2017…

Cut 3 (30) I’m Matt Doyle” 

_________________________________________

A twin engine plane crashed in Lafayette Saturday, killing five on their way to see the Tigers in the Peach Bowl.

National Transportation Safety Board investigator Dr. Jennifer Rodi says the plane climbed to 900 feet, before descending below 700, the local minimum safe altitude, for reasons unknown…

Cut 4 (11) “trees”

The plane then skidded into a post-office parking lot, striking a vehicle, causing additional non-fatal injuries.

No emergency distress call was put out before the plane began to descend, and no contact was had with ground flight crew. NTSB Vice President Chairman Bruce Landsberg says the craft also had no onboard flight data recorder, making the investigation more difficult…

Cut 5 (11) “…records”

The plane was a PA31-T Cheyenne, built in 1980.

Lafayette Mayor-President Joel Robideaux says the community wants to get to the bottom of what happened, but first, the focus must be on the victim’s families…

Cut 6 (07) “…period”

Among those killed was Louisiana sports reporter Carly McCord, daughter-in-law to LSU offensive coordinator Steve Ensminger.

_______________________

Despite a dominant 42-10 win over Carolina Sunday, the Saints will not get a week off and instead host the 6^th seed Vikings this weekend.

New Orleans needed a win and a loss by either the Packers or 49ers to get a week off and the two seed. Coach Sean Payton says it was out of their hands, but the team certainly held up it’s end of the bargain.

Cut 7 (08) “…edge.”

Drew Brees tossed three touchdowns and 253 yards while running back Alvin Kamara continued his late-season resurgence with two TDs.

The Saints could have used the rest, but the good news is they get at least one dome game before having to hit the road to face the 49ers in the divisional round. Payton says they aren’t sweating it.

Cut 8 (09) “home game.”

San Fran’s 48-46 victory in the dome earlier this year is the reason why the Saints lost home-field advantage.

The Saints have strung together three strong halves in a row heading into the playoffs, and Payton says they’re riding some strong momentum heading into the offseason.

Cut 9 (08) “…football.”

_____________________________________________

2019 was a year full of memorable moments.  The Louisiana sports world was left with a bad taste in its mouth when the Saints lost the opportunity to go to the Super Bowl because of poor officiating in the NFC Championship game.  But the year is ending well, as the Saints are NFC South champs, LSU has a perfect regular season, and Joe Burrow brought the Heisman Trophy back to LSU for the first time in 60 years.

Cut 10 (14) “…(applause).”

Governor Edwards won reelection after defeating GOP challenger Eddie Rispone in a runoff by a margin of 2%.  In his victory speech, Edwards outlined his plans for what to expect in the next four years.

Cut 11 (10) “…the minimum wage.”

Governor Edwards also secured the first teacher pay raise in a decade.  And he eulogized Louisiana’s first female Governor, Kathleen Blanco, who died in August at the age of 76. Blanco was at the helm of the state through hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

Cut 12 (13) “…a brighter future.” 

___________________________________

After a historic dismantling of Oklahoma in the Peach Bowl LSU heads home to take on Clemson two weeks from now in the Superdome for the National Championship Game.

LSU ran up 49 points in the first half against the Sooners in their 63-28 win. Tiger Rag Editor Ron Higgins says considering the competition, it was the greatest single-game performance by any LSU team, ever.

Cut 13 (12) “…complete”

The Tigers did it all with little help from 1^st Team All Sec running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire, who was limited by a hamstring injury.

If they want to raise the trophy on January 13^th, the Tigers will have to be the first team to beat the Tigers since 2017. Higgins says LSU will be favored, which is likely to just fire up Dabo Swinney’s team even more…

Cut 14 (09) “disrespected”

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

LSU features the current number one offense, but Clemson is right behind at number three, and Higgins says they have a very similar style of play.

Cut 15 (09) “the ball”

Five people, including a beloved Louisiana sports reporter, died Saturday after their plane crashed in Lafayette. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

________________________________________

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

Cut 2 (52) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

____________________________________________

LSU looks unstoppable after devastating Oklahoma in the Peach Bowl, but two weeks from in the Championship they face a Clemson team that hasn’t lost since 2017…

Cut 3 (30) I’m Matt Doyle” 

_________________________________________

A twin engine plane crashed in Lafayette Saturday, killing five on their way to see the Tigers in the Peach Bowl.

National Transportation Safety Board investigator Dr. Jennifer Rodi says the plane climbed to 900 feet, before descending below 700, the local minimum safe altitude, for reasons unknown…

Cut 4 (11) “trees”

The plane then skidded into a post-office parking lot, striking a vehicle, causing additional non-fatal injuries.

No emergency distress call was put out before the plane began to descend, and no contact was had with ground flight crew. Lafayette Fire Chief Rob Benoit says the craft also had no onboard flight data recorder, making the investigation more difficult…

Cut 5 (11) “…records”

The plane was a PA31-T Cheyenne, built in 1980.

Lafayette Mayor-President Joel Robideaux says the community wants to get to the bottom of what happened, but first, the focus must be on the victim’s families…

Cut 6 (07) “…period”

Among those killed was Louisiana sports reporter Carly McCord, daughter-in-law to LSU offensive coordinator Steve Ensminger.

_______________________

Despite a dominant 42-10 win over Carolina Sunday, the Saints will not get a week off and instead host the 6^th seed Vikings this weekend.

New Orleans needed a win and a loss by either the Packers or 49ers to get a week off and the two seed. Coach Sean Payton says it was out of their hands, but the team certainly held up it’s end of the bargain.

Cut 7 (08) “…edge.”

Drew Brees tossed three touchdowns and 253 yards while running back Alvin Kamara continued his late-season resurgence with two TDs.

The Saints could have used the rest, but the good news is they get at least one dome game before having to hit the road to face the 49ers in the divisional round. Payton says they aren’t sweating it.

Cut 8 (09) “home game.”

San Fran’s 48-46 victory in the dome earlier this year is the reason why the Saints lost home-field advantage.

The Saints have strung together three strong halves in a row heading into the playoffs, and Payton says they’re riding some strong momentum heading into the offseason.

Cut 9 (08) “…football.”

_____________________________________________

2019 was a year full of memorable moments.  The Louisiana sports world was left with a bad taste in its mouth when the Saints lost the opportunity to go to the Super Bowl because of poor officiating in the NFC Championship game.  But the year is ending well, as the Saints are NFC South champs, LSU has a perfect regular season, and Joe Burrow brought the Heisman Trophy back to LSU for the first time in 60 years.

Cut 10 (14) “…(applause).”

Governor Edwards won reelection after defeating GOP challenger Eddie Rispone in a runoff by a margin of 2%.  In his victory speech, Edwards outlined his plans for what to expect in the next four years.

Cut 11 (10) “…the minimum wage.”

Governor Edwards also secured the first teacher pay raise in a decade.  And he eulogized Louisiana’s first female Governor, Kathleen Blanco, who died in August at the age of 76. Blanco was at the helm of the state through hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

Cut 12 (13) “…a brighter future.” 

___________________________________

After a historic dismantling of Oklahoma in the Peach Bowl LSU heads home to take on Clemson two weeks from now in the Superdome for the National Championship Game.

LSU ran up 49 points in the first half against the Sooners in their 63-28 win. Tiger Rag Editor Ron Higgins says considering the competition, it was the greatest single-game performance by any LSU team, ever.

Cut 13 (12) “…complete”

The Tigers did it all with little help from 1^st Team All Sec running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire, who was limited by a hamstring injury.

If they want to raise the trophy on January 13^th, the Tigers will have to be the first team to beat the Tigers since 2017. Higgins says LSU will be favored, which is likely to just fire up Dabo Swinney’s team even more…

Cut 14 (09) “disrespected”

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

LSU features the current number one offense, but Clemson is right behind at number three, and Higgins says they have a very similar style of play.

Cut 15 (09) “the ball”

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 

_____________________

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”

___________________________

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.”

Troopers are partnering with law enforcement across the state in operation of the national “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign. 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. 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.

_______________________

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) “…the road.”

Strain expects the next session to be held on January 8^th or 9^th. For more information about attending a hemp seminar, visit www-dot-L-D-A-F-dot-LA-gov

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”

Strain says after passing the background check, 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.”

While related to marijuana, hemp’s THC levels are so low that it is not psychoactive.

_________________________________

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. The Black and Gold can still get the number one seed and home-field advantage in the NFC playoffs. 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.

Detillier says his biggest concern heading into the postseason is the health of the offensive line. He says starting guard Andrus Peat could return this Sunday from a broken arm, but the other starting guard, Larry Warford, also has a knee injury…

Cut 11 (10) “out there”

______________________

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 fled people the scene where a dog fight was in progress

Cut 12 (10) “…just horrible” 

Webre says not only did they arrest four people, drugs, guns and dog fighting paraphernalia were also seized….

Cut 13 (10) “      terrible

Webre says cases of animal cruelty will always be taken seriously. He says Ascension parish will not tolerate dogfighting or anything like it

Cut 14 (10) “…bond.”

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

Detectives are still looking for  34-year-old Blake Chatman, 32-year-old Kenneth Miller and 50-year-old Michael Williams, all of Donaldsonville.

Louisiana’s unemployment rate has fallen slightly over the year to 4.7 percent as the state as a whole continues to add jobs…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

________________________________________

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” 

____________________________________________

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 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.

New Orleans and Baton Rouge led the state in gains at 13,100 and 4,600 respectively, but Bustamante says Hammond was a surprise third-place finisher with 1,200 jobs…

Cut 5 (09) “…area”

Shreveport, Lake Charles, Monroe, and Houma all lost jobs over the year, but Shreveport saw a substantial 1,000 job gain between October and November. Bustamante knows why…

Cut 6 (04) “…The Area”

Those markets combined to lose 2,500 jobs.

________________________

Congress has raised the minimum smoking and vaping age to 21 nationwide. The provision was added to a year-end spending bill signed by President Donald Trump. Louisiana Health Secretary Rebecca Gee says it’s welcomed news considering, most people get addicted to nicotine in their teens.

Cut 7 (06) “…the public.”

Gee says any hurdle to keep tobacco products out of the hands of teens could help prevent them from becoming smokers and, also save the state money in future medical care.

Cut 8 (05) “…these products.”

The measure also raises the minimum age on purchasing chew tobacco to 21. Gee is glad Congress acted, because an effort to raise the minimum age in Louisiana failed earlier this year at the State Capitol…

Cut 9 (06) “…other challenges”

The new age requirement is expected to go into effect in nine months.

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Gilead Sciences awards 245,000 dollars in grants to four Louisiana organizations to help combat HIV as part of 2.3 million dollars in grants administered across the south.  Corporate Contributions Director Arun Skaria says HIV is still a serious problem in America, but we’re near epidemic levels in the south…

Cut 10 (10) “…right now”

It’s the third year California-based Gilead has administered the COMPASS funds. Skaria says the South’s disproportionate representation in HIV numbers comes down to its persistent struggles with health issues, and history of discrimination.

Cut 11 (10) “…challenge.”

Skaria says the Central Louisiana AIDS Support Services, Louisiana Public Health Institute, Brotherhood Inc., and 504 Health Net will receive the funds.

Cut  12 (10) “leadership” 

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LSU and Oklahoma hold their first practices in Atlanta today as they prepare for their semifinal game in the Peach Bowl. Peach Bowl C-E-O Gary Stokan says they are expecting a bunch of points inside the Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Saturday…

Cut 13 (11) “…December 28”

The two teams will also tour the College Football Hall of Fame today. They will have a go-kart outing tomorrow and then it’s all business for the two teams. But Stokan says for fans, there will be a fan night at the Georgia Aquarium on Friday and a fanfest Saturday, plus many other activities

Cut 14 (12) “…Olympic Park.”

Stokan says a record number of tickets have been purchased for the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl. He says it seems like sports fans are really excited about the matchups in the college football playoff

Cut 15 (11) “…two better games”

The winners of these two games will play for the national championship in New Orleans on January 13th.

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The Saints rallied from a 14-0 deficit to beat Tennessee 38-28 to keep alive their chances of getting the number one seed in the NFC playoffs. Drew Brees threw for 279 yards and three touchdowns and Michael Thomas he broke the NFL record for most receptions in a season, as he had 12 catches for 136 yards on the day. Thomas has 145 catches on the year, but he’s more worried about winning a title

Cut 16  (27)  …break more records” 

Alvin Kamara also had a big game as he rushed for two touchdowns. It was the first time he’s reached the end zone since Week 3, but he’s more worried about winning

Cut 17  (12) “I’m good” 

Coach Sean Payton is happy with the win, but not happy about the slow start or the 11 penalties, nine were in the first half

cut 18  (17)  areas”  

AAA tows an average of 850-thousand motorists over the holiday season but there are steps you can take ahead of the drive to get your destination without a hitch. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington 

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Isle of Capri gets approval from the Louisiana Gaming Control Board to be the first riverboat casino to crawl up out of the water and set up shop on land. Matt Doyle has the story.

cut  2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

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The National Retail Federation Estimates nearly 148-million U-S consumers will shop on super Saturday. That’s up from 134-million last year. LSU marketing professor Dan Rice says the last Saturday before Christmas has become the biggest shopping day of the year

Cut 3 (11) “…retailer.”

Rice says on this final weekend before the Christmas holiday, retailers do a good job marketing themselves to procrastinators

Cut 4 (11) “…more male”

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”

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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 that’s the most ever predicted in the last twenty years by the association and the majority of travelers will take to the roadways.

Cut 6 (07) “…patience.”

Redman says the top three reasons AAA tows during the holidays are flat tires, dead batteries, and lockouts, so have your car checked before you leave and take an extra set of keys.

In addition to patience on the roadways, Redman says be prepared to pay more at the pump this year if you’re traveling by car.

Cut 7 (07) “…several days”

However, after Christmas, Redman says gas prices should drop going into the New Year.

Airports will be packed in addition to the roads, AAA estimates a 5 percent increase in air travelers this year. Redman recommends arriving at the airport at least two hours before departure.

Cut 8 (05) “the holidays.”

Redman says the busiest travel day in the skies will be December 26^th.

The official traffic season begins this weekend and ends January 1^st.

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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.

Jones says the project is a significant investment for the company even as gaming revenues have stayed flat in Louisiana. He says this shows the Legislature’s decision is paying off.

Cut 10 (09) “…running”

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

Considering how hard the industry pushed to allow riverboats on land, some are surprised it’s taken one this long to announce a move, but Jones says more are likely soon to follow.

Cut 11 (12) “follow suit”

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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” 

Pierson says Medline might not be a household name, but they do business in more than 90 countries.

Cut 13 (09) “…company.”

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.

The National Weather Service reports a deadly tornado that tore through central Louisiana was a highly powerful EF-3.

Cut 1 (28) “…I’m Matt Doyle 

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Governor Edwards highlights the success of his administration during 2019, the final year of his first term. Jeff Palermo has the story…

cut  2 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Senator John Kennedy says Democrats may support impeachment in the House, but there’s next to no shot the Senate will vote to remove the President.

Kennedy says House Democrats failed to prove the President tried to without military aid to Ukraine in exchange for an investigation into the Bidens.

Cut 3 (07) “…fried chicken.”

Polls show Americans are still sharply divided on the issue along partisan lines, and Kennedy says the Upper Chamber is as well, which makes the odds of President Trump being removed slim to none.

Cut 4 (11) “…as well”

An AP poll of House Representatives shows Democratic defections on impeachment in the House will be in the low single digits.

Once the House votes to impeach, Kennedy says the Senate will take up the issue in the first week of the New Year.

Cut 5 (10) “Trump”

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A tornado that flattened parts of central Louisiana during it’s 62 mile trip from DeRidder to Alexandria is confirmed to have peaked at EF-3, with winds of 140 to 160 miles per hour.

NWS Forecaster Kent Kuyper says the twister peaked at a remarkable 400 yards wide but varied wildly depending on where it was.

Cut 6 (07) “…strength.”

Kuyper says it’s the biggest tornado he’s seen strike the region in his 20 years out of Lake Charles…

Cut 7 (08) “…EF-2”

The system was a full EF-3 when it entered southwest Alexandria, but had dipped down to around an EF-1 when passing south of Leesville.

The tornado grew as the system moved through the region, and Kuyper says he had upgraded the situation from a regular tornado, before making a rare declaration as it approached Alexandria…

Cut 8 (11) “dangers.”

One person died in Vernon Parish as a result of the event when their mobile home was crushed by another trailer that had been flung by the high winds.

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At his end of the year press conference, Governor John Bel Edwards said it’s a good time to be a Louisianan right now. Edwards says not only can the state say it’s home to LSU and the Saints, but Louisiana’s economy continues to grow

Cut 9 (13) “…in Lousiana”

Edwards says one of the big economic development wins this year was the retaining of CenturyLink’s corporate headquarters in Monroe through 2025.

The governor says they continue to see positive results from the expansion of the Medicaid program, which is providing insurance to 466-thousand residents. Edwards says a recent Tulane study found more people are going to the doctor and taking their necessary medication

Cut 10 (07) “…our goal”

Edwards says in 2019 budget stability was achieved for the first time in years. He says it led to a pay raise for teachers and additional investments into education

Cut 11 (10) “in a decade”

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A spirited debate is ongoing on the House floor today ahead of tonight’s vote to impeach President Donald Trump. New Orleans Congressman Cedric Richmond is the lone member of Louisiana’s House delegation who supports removing President Trump out of office because he’s doing irreparable harm to our country…

Cut 12 (11) “…Donald Trump” 

Richmond says Trump abused his power by pressuring Ukraine into investigating a political rival in exchange for military aid

Cut 13 (07) “…to justice.”

But Republican Louisiana Congressman Mike Johnson from Benton says it’s the House Democrats who are abusing their power

Cut 14 (13) “…due process.”