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” 

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.

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 8^th or 9^th.

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.”

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.

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 (05) “…the public.”
The new age requirement is expected to go into effect in nine months.

The Saints rallied from a 14-0 deficit to beat the Titans 38 to 28 and Michael Thomas set the NFL record for catches in a single season. A record number of tickets have been bought for Saturday’s Peach Bowl between LSU and Oklahoma. Peach Bowl CEO Gary Stokan says fans are really excited about the matchups in the college football playoff…
cut 15 (11) “….two betters”
The winners will meet in New Orleans on January 15th in the national championship game.

New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Hammond and the Lafayette metro areas have seen the largest job growth over the last year. That’s according to the Louisiana Workforce Commission. Houma, Lake Charles, Monroe and Shreveport all lost jobs over the year. But L-W-C Chief Economist Ali Bustamante says Shreveport has seen a one-thousand job increase over the last month…
cut 6 (04) “…the area”
New Orleans added 34-hundred jobs over the last month.

Gilead Sciences sent 245-thousand dollars in grant money to four organizations in Louisiana to combat the spread of HIV and to help support those living with H-I-V. Corporate Contributions Director Arun Skaria says a total of two-point-three million dollars in grants are going to 40 organizations fighting H-I-V in the South, which is disproportionately affected by H-I-V….
cut 11 (10) “…challenge”

The federal government is raising the minimum smoking and vaping age to 21 nationwide. Brooke Thorington on what this means for Louisiana
Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington”

The Louisiana Workforce Commission reports seasonally adjusted nonfarm employment has increased by nine-thousand over the year. L-W-C Chief Economist Ali Bustamante says New Orleans, Baton Rouge and Hammond saw the biggest job gains…
cut 5 (09) “…area”

Big win for the Saints on Sunday as they came back from 14 down to beat Tennessee 38-28. Michael Thomas set the N-F-L record for catches in a season and running back Alvin Kamara had two touchdowns, his first scores since Week three, but he’s more worried about winning…
cut 17 (12) “…I’m Good”
New Orleans is 12 and 3 and they can still get the number one seed in the N-F-C playoffs.

LSU has arrived in Atlanta for Peach Bowl preparations. Fans are expected to arrive in Atlanta after Christmas. Peach Bowl C-E-O Gary Stokan says there’s plenty to do for fans once they get to Atlanta…
cut 14 (12) “…Olympic Park”
Stokan says a record number of tickets have been purchased for the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl.

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.

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”
Coach Ed Orgeron will speak with the media this afternoon.

An effort to raise the legal smoking age to 21-years-old failed in Louisiana this year, but it doesn’t matter, because the federal government is raising the legal age to purchase tobacco and vaping products to 21. Louisiana Health Secretary Rebekah Gee is thrilled…
cut 9 (06) “….other challenges”
The new age requirement is expected to go into effect in nine months.

Four Louisiana organiziations are sharing 245-thousand dollars in grant money from California-based Gilead Sciences to fight H-I-V in Louisiana. Corporate Contributions Director Arun Skaria says Central Louisiana AIDS Support Services, Louisiana Public Health Insitute, Brotherhood Inc and 504 Health Net will receive the funds…
cut 12 (10) “…leadership”

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 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.”

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”

The Saints rallied from a 14-0 deficit to beat the Titans 38 to 28 and Michael Thomas set the NFL record for catches in a single season. A record number of tickets have been bought for Saturday’s Peach Bowl between LSU and Oklahoma. Peach Bowl CEO Gary Stokan says fans are really excited about the matchups in the college football playoff…
cut 15 (11) “….two betters”
The winners will meet in New Orleans on January 15th in the national championship game.