Senator Bill Cassidy is introducing the SANTA Act, which aims to keep dangerous counterfeit toys out of the hands of children. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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A 55- year old Zachary man who’s has lost numerous family members to pulmonary fibrosis is waiting on a transplant. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington” 

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Harvard researchers estimate that by 2030 half of all Americans will be obese. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 3 (30) “ I’m Matt Doyle”

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A rash of stories about dangerous counterfeit toys has inspired Senator Bill Cassidy to introduce the SANTA Act, which demands online retailers to detail exactly where children’s products come from.

Cassidy says the SANTA Act is about protecting children from toys not made by reputable toy manufacturers…

Cut 4 (10) “flames”

The Senator highlighted a recent incident from Wisconsin where a family bought a counterfeit hoverboard that exploded, putting a child in the hospital and burning down the family home.

Currently, online retailers only have to provide the name of their company, and little else, but Cassidy wants them to reveal more…

Cut 5 (11) “…counterfeit”

Details required include full address, working phone number, email, whether the order is fulfilled from a warehouse different from the seller’s property, and more.

Cassidy says the aim is to protect children, but a side effect of passing the legislation would be to protect American workers.

Cut 6 (10) “…as well

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A group comprised of the largest energy producers in the state estimates rates may need to increase by 50 percent to properly replace Louisiana’s aging power plants and grid.

Public Service Commissioner Dr. Craig Greene says the Commission will ultimately decide if that’s needed, but it is true that our energy infrastructure is getting old.

Cut 7 (11) “…those.”

Greene says while rates may not rise by 50 percent, they will have to go up some in the future. One option involves having major industrial users find their power outside of residential monopolies…

Cut 8 (11) “…their own.”

The Advocate reports the average medium-sized plant uses as much power as the city of Alexandria.

Some have suggested having industrial groups foot a larger share of the bill for future capacity expansions, considering they’re the ones driving the need for more capacity. Greene says whatever the solution…

Cut 9 (09) “…work”

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55-year old Army Veteran, Keith Phillips of Zachary, helps the state prepare for hurricanes and other disasters, but right now he’s fighting for his life. Phillips suffers from pulmonary fibrosis and the only cure is a lung transplant. He watched his father succumb to the disease almost three decades ago.

Cut 10 (12) “…a cure”

Doctors say a double-lung transplant is his only chance of survival. Philips and his wife have three daughters. His grandmother and aunt also died from pulmonary fibrosis. Phillips’ sister Cynthia Griffin is helping him raise money to help fund the transplant.

Cut 11 (12) “…in that.”

The average double-lung transplant costs more than one million dollars and Phillips needs to raise $50-thousand to cover his expenses; expenses like follow-up care, medication, and a chartered flight to Cleveland for the transplant.

Cut  12 (10) “in time” 

To make a donation you can visit transplants.org and click on “Find an NFT Patient” and search for Keith Phillips.

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A New England Journal of Medicine study predicts nearly half of all Americans will be obese by the end of the decade.

Pennington Biomedical director of the Metabolism-Body Composition Laboratory Dr. Steven Heymsfield says those numbers are disproportionately high in people making under 50,000 dollars a year, and…

Cut 13 (12) “…Hispanics”

The numbers are particularly notable for people making under 20,000 dollars a year.

An estimated 40 percent of adults are already obese, with 18 percent being severely obese. Heymsfield says this growing problem is set to send healthcare costs spiraling out of control.

Cut 14 (07) “…today.”

Obesity is defined as an individual with a body mass index of 30 or higher. BMI is a person’s weight divided by their height.

Heymsfield says the best way to stop the epidemic from progressing is by making sure children don’t develop habits that lead to obesity.

Cut 15 (11) “…ways”

The study was conducted by Harvard researchers.

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After throwing just one incomplete pass on Monday night, Saints quarterback Drew Brees looks to have another highly efficient game on Sunday when New Orleans visits the Titans. Brees takes pride in completing passes at a high percentage…

Cut 16  (34)  …do that” 

Sunday’s meeting between the Saints and Titans in Nashville marks just the 15th time the two franchises have faced each other. The last meeting was in 2015 and the Titans won 34-28. Brees on whether it’s easier to play divisional opponent or out of conference foe at this time of the year

Cut 17  (15) “tough game” 

One of Tennessee’s best threats on offense is rookie wide receiver A-J Brown. The former Ole Miss standout has 47 catches for 893 yards and seven touchdowns. Coach Sean Payton says Brown is tough to defend…

cut 18  (30)   route runner”  

A planned chemical plant in St. James Parish may also be home to an unknown number of unmarked slave graves. Matt Doyle has the story…

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle 

Cynthia Perkins, a former Livingston Parish School teacher and wife of former Livingston Parish sheriff’s deputy Dennis Perkins has filed for divorce.  An attorney representing Cynthia Perkins tells WBRZ that she claims her husband has made sufficient threats against her and she is fearful of him. Both were formally charged on 150 combined counts, including child rape and pornography this week.

F King Alexander is leaving LSU to become the next president at Oregon State and rumors are swirling that current Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne could be his replacement. On his radio call-in show Governor Edwards stated he believes the LSU Board of Supervisors will have a lot of good candidates to choose from…

Cut 11 (06) “for the state”

Joe Burrow’s Heisman acceptance speech also made him a spokesperson for hunger across the nation. The Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank has received $50-thousand in donations since his speech. Food Bank CEO and President Mike Manning says they offer assistance to those in need in 11 parishes. The people they help feed come from all backgrounds.

Cut 8 (11) “longer term.”

To make a donation visit brfoodbank.org and if you need assistance call 211 and ask the United Way for your local area Food Bank.

There’s a push to cancel construction of a 9.4 billion dollar chemical plant in St. James Parish after archeologists discover what may be an unknown number of unmarked slave graves. FG, the company building the Formosa plant, says an independent archeologist they hired discovered the graves in June, but Local activist and RISE St. James Founder Sharon Lavigne says –

Cut 4 (09) “…us”

FG said in a statement they “will follow all applicable state and federal laws in regards to the burial ground and public notification.”

Rumors are swirling that current Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne could be the next president of the LSU System, replacing F-King Alexander.  Governor John Bel Edwards ays there’s a reason why Dardenne is an attractive candidate for the job

Cut 10 (10) “…in Louisiana”

The state fire marshal’s office is investigating a fatal fire that resulted in the death of a mother and her seven-year son. The blaze took place last night in the Red River Parish town of Coushatta. State Fire Marshal Butch Browning says s we are looking at another cold night tonight, so he asks that if you are using a space heater, turn it off before you go to bed…

Cut 14 (09) “…extension cords.”

When Joe Burrow accepted the Heisman Trophy Saturday night, the quarterback might not have realized it, but his heartfelt speech put a major spotlight on the issue of hunger in Southeast Ohio. The impact is also being felt here in Baton Rouge.  President and CEO of the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank Mike Manning says Since Burrow’s acceptance speech, they’ve seen a $50-thousand increase in donations, and they continue to come in.

Cut 7 (12) “…into the new year”

 if you need assistance call 211 and ask the United Way for your local area Food Bank.

There’s a push to cancel construction of a 9.4 billion dollar chemical plant in St. James Parish after archeologists discover what may be an unknown number of unmarked slave graves. Local activist and RISE St. James Founder Sharon Lavigne says there’s no way the planned plant can continue now.

Cut 3 (08) “…ancestors.”

FG, the company building the Formosa plant, says an independent archeologist they hired discovered the graves in June.

The state fire marshal’s office is investigating a fatal fire that resulted in the death of a mother and her seven-year son. The blaze took place last night in the Red River Parish town of Coushatta the fire occurred at a former commercial bank building turned into apartments. State Fire Marshal Butch Browning says they suspect there were no working smoke alarms.

Cut 13 (10) “…smoke alarms.”

Rumors are swirling that current Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne could be the next president of the LSU System, replacing F-King Alexander. During his monthly call-in show, Governor John Bel Edwards did not shoot down those rumors

Cut 9 (11) “…to do” Dardenne is Edwards’ top budget advisor.

When Joe Burrow accepted the Heisman Trophy Saturday night, the quarterback might not have realized it, but his heartfelt speech put a major spotlight on the issue of hunger in Southeast Ohio. The impact is also being felt in Baton Rouge.  President and CEO of the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank Mike Manning says Burrow making the issue relatable is making a difference.

Cut 6 (13) “…sp profound.”

Activists in St. James Parish think they may have found a way to stop the construction of a new 9.4 billion dollar Formosa chemical plant, the discovery that the 2,300-acre site is home to unmarked slave graves. RISE St. James Founder Sharon Lavigne says they’ve been pushing to cancel the plant since before the graves were discovered, as there are already 12 industrial projects in this district alone.

Cut 5 (09) “the air”

The site construction firm says they’ll follow state policy in the matter.

The state fire marshal’s office is investigating a fatal fire that resulted in the death of a mother and her seven-year son. The blaze took place last night in the Red River Parish town of Coushatta. State Fire Marshal Butch Browning says the cause of the fire could be heating-related

Cut 12 (08) “…attracted to” 

Heisman winner Joe Burrow became an accidental spokesperson for hunger awareness during his acceptance speech Saturday.  Brooke Thorington has more.

cut  2 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

LSU Football Coach Ed Orgeron is unsure if running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire will play in the semifinal game versus Oklahoma because of a hamstring injury. Orgeron says he’ll know more about Edwards-Helaire’s status later this week. And LSU basketball was upset last night, losing to East Tennessee State 74-63. The Pelicans ended a 13-game losing streak by beating Minnesota 107-99.

A planned chemical plant in St. James Parish may also be home to an unknown number of unmarked slave graves. Matt Doyle has the story…

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle 

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Heisman winner Joe Burrow became an accidental spokesperson for hunger awareness during his acceptance speech Saturday.  Brooke Thorington has more.

cut  2 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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There’s a push to cancel construction of a 9.4 billion dollar chemical plant in St. James Parish after archeologists discover what may be an unknown number of unmarked slave graves.

Local activist and RISE St. James Founder Sharon Lavigne says there’s no way the planned plant can continue now.

Cut 3 (08) “…ancestors.”

The plot was discovered at the outer edge of the 2,300 acre-site, but Lavigne believes the area may contain more graves.

FG, the company building the Formosa plant, says an independent archeologist they hired discovered the graves in June, but Lavigne says it appears they only just fenced off the area.

Cut 4 (09) “…us”

Lavigne says they’ve been pushing to cancel the plant since before the graves were discovered, but there are already 12 industrial projects in his district alone.

Cut 5 (09) “the air”

FG said in a statement they “will follow all applicable state and federal laws in regards to the burial ground and public notification.”

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When Joe Burrow accepted the Heisman Trophy Saturday night, the quarterback might not have realized it, but his heartfelt speech put a major spotlight on the issue of hunger in Southeast Ohio. The impact is also being felt here in Baton Rouge.  President and CEO of the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank Mike Manning says Burrow bringing awareness to the issue and making it relatable is making a difference.

Cut 6 (13) “…sp profound.”

Since Burrow’s acceptance speech, Manning says they’ve seen a $50-thousand increase in donations, and they continue to come in.

Cut 7 (12) “…into the new year”

The Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank is a $14-million dollar operation and Manning says they offer assistance to those in need in 11 parishes and have done so for more than 30 years. The people they help feed come from all backgrounds.

Cut 8 (11) “longer term.”

To make a donation visit brfoodbank.org and if you need assistance call 211 and ask the United Way for your local area Food Bank.

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Rumors are swirling that current Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne could be the next president of the LSU System, replacing F-King Alexander. During his monthly call-in show, Governor John Bel Edwards did not shoot down those rumors

Cut 9 (11) “…to do”

Dardenne is Edwards’ top budget advisor. Before joining the Edwards Administration, the former LSU grad ran for governor, served as Lt. Governor, Secretary of State and state senator. Edwards says there’s a reason why Dardenne is an attractive candidate for the job

Cut 10 (10) “…in Louisiana”

Alexander is leaving to become the next president at Oregon State. Edwards believes the LSU Board of Supervisors will have a lot of good candidates to choose from…

Cut 11 (06) “for the state”

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The state fire marshal’s office is investigating a fatal fire that resulted in the death of a mother and her seven-year son. The blaze took place last night in the Red River Parish town of Coushatta. State Fire Marshal Butch Browning says the cause of the fire could be heating-related

Cut 12 (08) “…attracted to” 

The fire occurred at a former commercial bank building turned into apartments. Browning says they suspect there were no working smoke alarms, because it appears the victims never had a chance to escape

Cut 13 (10) “…smoke alarms.”

Browning says the investigating is ongoing. He says we are looking at another cold night tonight, so he asks that if you are using a space heater, turn it off before you go to bed…

Cut 14 (09) “…extension cords.”

A planned chemical plant in St. James Parish may also be home to an unknown number of unmarked slave graves. Matt Doyle has the story…

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle 

Cynthia Perkins, a former Livingston Parish School teacher and wife of former Livingston Parish sheriff’s deputy Dennis Perkins has filed for divorce.  An attorney representing Cynthia Perkins tells WBRZ that she claims her husband has made sufficient threats against her and she is fearful of him. Both were formally charged on 150 combined counts, including rape and child pornography this week.

Joe Burrow’s Heisman acceptance speech also made him a spokesperson for hunger across the nation. The Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank has received $50-thousand in donations since his speech. Food Bank CEO and President Mike Manning says they offer assistance to those in need in 11 parishes and have done so for more than 30 years. The people they help feed come from all backgrounds.

Cut 8 (11) “longer term.”

To make a donation visit brfoodbank.org and if you need assistance call 211 and ask the United Way for your local area Food Bank.

F King Alexander is leaving LSU to become the next president at Oregon State and rumors are swirling that current Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne could be his replacement. On his radio call in show Governor stated he believes the LSU Board of Supervisors will have a lot of good candidates to choose from…

Cut 11 (06) “for the state”

When Joe Burrow accepted the Heisman Trophy Saturday night, the quarterback might not have realized it, but his heartfelt speech put a major spotlight on the issue of hunger in Southeast Ohio. The impact is also being felt in Baton Rouge.  President and CEO of the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank Mike Manning says they’ve seen a $50-thousand increase in donations, and they continue to come in.

Cut 7 (12) “…into the new year”

Rumors are swirling that current Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne could be the next president of the LSU System, replacing F-King Alexander. During his monthly call-in show, Governor Edwards says there’s a reason why Dardenne is an attractive candidate for the job

Cut 10 (10) “…in Louisiana”

President Donald Trump has been impeached on two Articles, Obstruction of Justice, and Abuse of Power. Matt Doyle has the reaction from Senator Bill Cassidy…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle” 

A federal appeals court based out of New Orleans has ruled the individual health insurance mandate in the Affordable Care Act is unconstitutional. But the court did not rule on whether all of the A-C-A is unconstitutional, so the nation’s health care law remains in place for now.