In the largest fentanyl bust in Livingston Parish history, four individuals were arrested, and over 100-thousand doses of fentanyl were seized following a multi-agency investigation. Sheriff Jason Ard search warrants were executed at residences in Livingston and Tangipahoa Parishes leading to the discovery of nearly 68-thousand additional pressed fentanyl pills, and 46 pounds of fentanyl…

Cut 10 (11) “…150-thousand people.”

He says Tyrone Broadway was the ringleader of the drug trafficking operation and undercover agents made multiple purchases from his group.

The Louisiana National Guard is celebrating 30 years of its Youth Challenge Program. Lieutenant Colonel Kenny Paul says the program is an alternative education program for 16- to 18-year-olds, emphasizing teamwork, discipline and personal development.

Cut 7 (13) “…in that arena.”

The CDC is monitoring the first severe case of human bird flu in the U.S. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Firefighters are 14-percent more likely to develop cancer than any other occupation and Willis Knighton is partnering with local fire districts and cities on new health initiative providing free annual physicals and cancer screenings for 1,500 active and retired firefighters in Caddo and Bossier parishes aligning with a state law requiring local governments to provide no-cost cancer screenings for full-time and retired firefighters.  CEO Jaf Fielder says Firefighters from says

Cut 5 (07) “…care of them.”

In the largest fentanyl bust in Livingston Parish history, four individuals were arrested, and over 100-thousand doses of fentanyl were seized following a multi-agency investigation with Homeland Security Investigation and DEA. The operation began with the Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office investigating a drug trafficking ring led by Tyrone Broadway. Sheriff Jason Ard says undercover agents conducted multiple purchases from the group, uncovering approximately 36-thousand pressed fentanyl pills.

Cut 9 (08)  “…very long time,”

 The Louisiana National Guard is celebrating 30 years of its Youth Challenge Program. Lieutenant Colonel Kenny Paul says the Louisiana Guard’s Youth Challenge Program was among the first of its kind and one of the most successful.

Cut 6 (10) “…first initial ten.”

Firefighters from Caddo and Bossier parishes now have access to free annual physicals and cancer screenings through a new state law.  Willis Knighton is partnering with local fire districts and cities on the new health initiative. CEO Jaf Fielder says firefighters are 14-percent more likely to develop cancer because of their job than any other occupation.

Cut 3 (13) “…in the future.”

The CDC is continuing to monitor the first severe case of human bird flu in the U.S. Dr. Demetre Daskalakis with the CDC says bird flu has been around for many years, including human cases outside the U.S.

Cut 12 (13) “…50-percent of cases.”

Ochsner Medical Center of New Orleans Director Sandra Kemmerly says fewer people are vaccinated against the flu this year…

Cut 26  (13) “….get vaccinated”

Kemmerly says Louisiana currently leads the country for the percentage of flu tests that come back positive.

A new state law requires firefighters to receive annual physical and cancer screenings at no cost and Willis Knighton will provide that service for firefighters in Caddo and Bossier Parishes. CEO Jaf Fielder ….

Cut 4 (07) “…our missing”

Fielder says firefighters are 14-percent more likely to develop cancer because of their job than any other occupation.

The FTC is cracking down on so-called “junk fees.” Starting in April, entities like hotels, ticket brokers and rental car companies will need to disclose all extraneous fees up front. Don Redman with Triple-A says consumers have been screaming about those fees for years.

Cut 13 (12)  “…weren’t aware of.”

The Humane Society is discouraging the public from giving pets as a gift this holiday season. Humane Society of Louisiana Director Jeff Dorson says many factors should be considered before gifting a pet, with cost being the biggest factor. Dorson says also consider the person’s lifestyle. Dorson says an elderly person may prefer a calm, older dog or cat rather than an energetic puppy or kitten. Dorson says breed, age and temperament also need to be considered.

Cut 11 (06) “…small apartment.”

Louisiana tops the nation in flu activity for the second year in a row. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (28) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

The F-T-C is banning junk fees on tickets and hotels. AAA’s Don Redman says consumers will see the total price, including the fees for tickets to live events or lodging…

Cut 14 (08) “…or concert”

The new rule is set to go into effect in April.

The Louisiana National Guard is celebrating 30 years of its Youth Challenge Program. Lieutenant Colonel Kenny Paul says their Challenge Program was among the first of its kind and one of the most successful.

Cut 6 (10) “…first initial ten.”

The Youth Challenge Program is an alternative education program for 16 to 18 year olds, emphasizing teamwork, discipline and personal development.

Firefighters from Caddo and Bossier parishes now have access to free annual physicals and cancer screenings through a new state law.  Willis Knighton is partnering with local fire districts and cities on the new health initiative. CEO Jaf Fielder says firefighters are 14-percent more likely to develop cancer because of their job than any other occupation.

Cut 3 (13) “…in the future.”

This program benefits 1,500 active and retired firefighters, covering the $1,300 cost per participant through hospital donations.

The Social Security Fairness Act is one step closer to President Biden’s desk. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Residents in Caddo and Bossier Parishes felt their house shake this morning because of a 3-point-three earthquake. The epicenter was near the Texas-Louisiana line and the U-S Geological Survey registered the quake at 6:15 this morning. The earthquake lasted a few seconds and there’s no reports of any damage or injuries.

The CDC says Louisiana has a flu positivity rate exceeding 11-percent, far above the national average of 3.5-percent.  Ochsner Medical Center of New Orleans Director Sandra Kemmerly says cases this early are concerning.

Cut 4 (11) “…winter yet.”

Kemmerly says getting the flu vaccine can limit your chances of getting the flu and if you do get the flu, the vaccine can reduce your symptoms.

Don’t you hate when you buy a ticket to a concert or sporting event, or book a hotel, you end paying more than you thought because of fees. The Federal Trade Commission says starting in April, businesses will have to include all mandatory fees when listing a price. AAA spokesperson Don Redman says this is a pro-consumer change…

Cut 15 (09) “…fees potentially eliminated”

The Social Security Act is nearing final passage in the U-S Senate. Senator Bill Cassidy took to the Senate Floor yesterday to describe how this legislation would fix a broken system as there are thousands of former teachers, police officers, firefighters and other public workers who can not receive their full Social Security benefits, because of two federal policies called the Windfall Elimination Provision and the Government Pension Offset. Cassidy says he understands concerns about the costs of eliminating WEP and GPO.

Cut 9 (13)  “…WEP and GPO.”

The Senate will take a final vote on the bill by the end of the week

Ochsner Medical Center of New Orleans Director Sandra Kemmerly says fewer people are vaccinated against the flu this year…

Cut 5 (13) “….get vaccinated”

Kemmerly says Louisiana currently leads the country for the percentage of flu tests that come back positive.

This holiday season, many consider gifting animals to loved ones. However, pets come with significant responsibilities, so it’s important to carefully evaluate whether this is the right choice. Louisiana Humane Society Director Jeff Dorson says animals should only be given to those who have expressed sustained interest and are ready to care for them.

Cut 10 (11) “…ready for it.”

When gifting a pet, consider the recipient’s lifestyle. For instance, an elderly person may prefer a calm, older dog or cat rather than an energetic puppy or kitten.

A new study finds that congestion costs the trucking industry 108-billion dollars. Executive Director of the Louisiana Motor Transport Association, Renee Amar, says the findings clearly highlight the severe economic burden that traffic congestion places on the trucking industry, both nationally and in Louisiana…

Cut 26 (13) “….billion dollars”

Amar says addressing traffic congestion should remain a top priority for government.

Legislation that would remove restrictions that eliminate or reduce Social Security benefits for thousands of teachers, first responders and other public workers is nearing final approval in the U-S Senate. Senator Bill Cassidy says the  bill would eliminate the Windfall Elimination Provision and the Government Pension Offset,  which he says unfairly costs public sector employees a good portion of their Social Security benefits. Cassidy says a retired school teacher urged him to pass this legislation…

Cut 8 (14) “….was being punished”

A final vote on the Social Security Fairness Act is expected before the weekend.

The FTC is cracking down on so-called “junk fees.” Starting in April, entities like hotels, ticket brokers and rental car companies will need to disclose all extraneous fees up front. Don Redman with Triple-A says consumers have been screaming about those fees for years.

Cut 13 (12)  “…weren’t aware of.”

Louisiana leads the nation in early-season flu activity. The CDC says the state has a flu positivity rate exceeding 11-percent, far above the national average of 3.5-percent.  Ochsner Medical Center of New Orleans Director Sandra Kemmerly says cases this early are concerning.

Cut 4 (11) “…winter yet.”

Kemmerly says getting the flu vaccine can limit your chances of getting the flu and if you do get the flu, the vaccine can reduce your symptoms.

If you are considering a pet as a gift this holiday season, the Humane Society says think twice before you do it. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 3 (28) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

The Social Security Fairness Act is one step closer to President Biden’s desk. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Louisiana’s booming hemp industry faces new regulations on January first which limits where you can find gummies or seltzers that contain THC or CBD. Gas stations will longer be able to sell THC products and also starting on January 1^st you must be 21, instead of 18, to purchase hemp-THC products. The new rules also changes the serving sizes for THC products.

Louisiana is leading the country for flu activity. According to the latest data, 11-percent of flu tests are coming back positive, which is more than double the national average. R-S-V is also on the rise. Ochsner Medical Center of New Orleans Director Sandra Kemmerly is urging the public to get vaccinated, practice good hygiene and stay home when sick…

Cut 6 (08) “…can affect others.”

About 28-percent of adults are vaccinated for the flu and 45-percent of kids are vaccinated.

The F-T-C is banning junk fees on tickets and hotels. AAA’s Don Redman says consumers will see the total price, including the fees for tickets to live events or lodging…

Cut 14 (08) “…or concert”

The new rule is set to go into effect in April.

Louisiana tops the nation in flu activity for the second year in a row. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (28) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

Federal health officials say a southwest Louisiana resident in critical condition is the first severe illness caused by bird flu in the United States. The C-D-C says the patient is over 65 and has underlying medical problems. It’s believed the person got the bird flu after being in contact with sick and dead birds in a backyard flock.

The Social Security Fairness Act is one step closer to making it onto President Biden’s desk. The Senate advanced the bill in a procedural vote of 73-27. Senator Bill Cassidy took to the floor yesterday to urge his colleagues to support it.

Cut 7 (15) “…fulfill this promise.”

A final vote on the legislation is expected by the end of the week.

The Humane Society is asking the public not to surprise a person by buying them a pet as a Christmas gift. Jeff Dorson is the director of the Humane Society of Louisiana and says there are many factors to consider before giving a pet as a gift. The first one is cost and secondly many pets are social animals and require time and attention…

Cut 12 (08) “….get those calls”

Dorson says stick to a traditional gift for the holidays and let the individual that wants to adopt, adopt.

Louisiana tops the nation in flu activity for the second year in a row. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (28) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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The Social Security Fairness Act is one step closer to President Biden’s desk. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

_____________________________________________

Many are considering gifting pets as presents this holiday season, but the Humane Society says don’t do it. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 3 (28) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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Louisiana leads the nation in early-season flu activity. The CDC says the state has a flu positivity rate exceeding 11-percent, far above the national average of 3.5-percent.  Ochsner Medical Center of New Orleans Director Sandra Kemmerly says cases this early are concerning.

Cut 4 (11) “…winter yet.”

Louisiana’s mild winters facilitate virus spread, while health disparities and low vaccination rates worsen flu vulnerability. Kemmerly stresses the importance of flu vaccination, as it remains the most effective tool to prevent severe illness and reduce strain on healthcare systems.

Cut 5 (13) “…get vaccinated.”

Kemmerly says to protect themselves and others, people are urged to get vaccinated, practice good hygiene, stay home when sick, and safeguard vulnerable groups like children and older adults.

Cut 6 (08) “…can affect others.”

_____________________________________________

The Social Security Fairness Act is one step closer to making it onto President Biden’s desk. The Senate advanced the bill in a procedural vote of 73-27 yesterday. Senator Bill Cassidy has sponsored the Senate version of the bill. He took to the floor yesterday to urge his colleagues to support it.

Cut 7 (15) “…fulfill this promise.”

The bill would eliminate the Windfall Elimination Provision and the Government Pension Offset, which Cassidy says have been unfairly costing public sector employees a good portion of their Social Security benefits, including a retired schoolteacher who he met with in his office.

Cut 8 (14) “…was being punished.”

Cassidy says he understands concerns about the costs of eliminating WEP and GPO.

Cut 9 (13)  “…WEP and GPO.”

The Senate will take a final vote on the bill later this week.

_____________________________________________

This holiday season, many consider gifting animals to loved ones. However, pets come with significant responsibilities, so it’s important to carefully evaluate whether this is the right choice. Louisiana Humane Society Director Jeff Dorson says animals should only be given to those who have expressed sustained interest and are ready to care for them.

Cut 10 (11) “…ready for it.”

When gifting a pet, consider the recipient’s lifestyle. For instance, an elderly person may prefer a calm, older dog or cat rather than an energetic puppy or kitten. Similarly, Dorson says breed, age and temperament need to be considered.

Cut 11 (06) “…small apartment.”

Dorson says all animals are social beings and want to be around their own species or with owners that comfort and care for them.

Cut 12 (08) “…get those calls”

Dorson says stick to a traditional gift for the holidays and let the individual that wants to adopt, adopt.

_______________________________________________________

The FTC is cracking down on so-called “junk fees.” Starting in April, entities like hotels, ticket brokers and rental car companies will need to disclose all extraneous fees up front. Don Redman with Triple-A Louisiana says consumers have been screaming about those fees for years.

Cut 13 (12)  “…weren’t aware of.”

Redman says those entities can still charge those fees – however, they will no longer be able to hide those fees.

Cut 14 (08) “…or that concert.”

Redman says with those entities now having to either disclose those fees or roll them into their advertised prices, that will have a profound effect on prices to the consumer’s benefit.

Cut 15 (09) “…fees potentially eliminated.”

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LSU has signed nine players out of the transfer portal and according to 24-7 sports, the Tigers have the second best transfer portal class in the nation. Tiger Rag Executive Editor Todd Horne says head coach Brian Kelly has delivered on a promise that LSU would be aggressive in the transfer portal…

Cut 16 (20) “…big help.”

Horne says LSU still needs more help along the offensive and defensive lines…

Cut 17 (16)  “…linemen as well.” 

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At this time last week, the Louisiana Tech football team’s season was over, but now they are preparing for a bowl game. The Bulldogs are getting ready to battle Army in the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl on December 28^th in Shreveport. Tech received a bowl invite after Marshall opted out. Coach Sonny Cumbie is pleased with his team’s first bowl practice…

Cut 18 (18)   “…football games.”

Marshall could not play in the Independence Bowl, because of a lack of players as there’s been a mass exodus with the Thundering Herd because of a coaching change. Cumbie says they are missing some players, but certainly have enough to take on the Black Knights….

Cut 19 (19) “…coming back.”

Cumbie has also hired a new offensive coordinator since the regular season finale. Tony Franklin is back as O-C and quarterbacks coach. When Franklin was the offensive coordinator between 2010 and 2012, Tech had high scoring offenses. Cumbie says Franklin is an experienced play caller that this program needs…

Cut 20 (17) “…came about.”

Tech will take on 19th ranked Army on Saturday December 28th.