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.