Big rig trucks sitting in traffic is costing the trucking industry billions and billions of dollars. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

The St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office has announced a second former St. Mary School Board Employee has been arrested on theft charges. 65-year-old Lisa Ann Powell of Morgan City was taken into custody after it was determined more than 205-thousand dollars was missing from Patterson High School’s bank account. Powell was a bookkeeper. Dinah Dru Richard has also been arrested.

Christmas Day is one week from today, but the warm weather does not make it feel like Christmas is approaching. LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim says that will change as a cold front moves through the state today. Keim says it will bring a little bit of rain and much cooler weather

Cut 12 (12) “…environment.”

Keim says the coldest day of the week will be Saturday, morning lows that day could dip below freezing in north Louisiana.

Congress has approved the HEARTS Act which would provide federal aid to improve cardiac arrest preparedness in schools nationwide. Kristen Simpson is a board member at the American Heart Association…

Cut 10 (10) “….emergency response plans”

The legislation was inspired by Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin. His life was saved by an automated external defibrillator nearly two years ago.

A new study highlights the massive cost of congestion in the trucking industry. The American Transport Research Institute’s Cost of Congestion study shows that congestion is adding almost 110-billion dollars to the industry’s costs. Renee Amar (AY-mar) says many factors contribute to the costs of congestion.

Cut 4 (12) “…middle of congestion.”

Christmas Day is one week from today, but the warm weather does not make it feel like Christmas is approaching. LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim says high temperatures will only be in the 60s tomorrow and Friday, which is a big difference from what we are seeing today. He says cool air will continue flow down into Louisiana and temperatures will drop some for Saturday…

Cut 13 (15)  “…Saturday morning.”

Soon, it will be a lot easier for schools to have the tools needed to save people experiencing cardiac arrest. Jeff Palermo reports.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

A patient in Louisiana was hospitalized with H5N1 bird flu, marking the first severe U.S. case. The CDC confirmed the D1.1 genotype, linked to wild birds and backyard flocks. Exposure to sick birds caused the infection. The risk to public health remains low, but precautions are advised for high-risk groups.

A new study highlights the massive cost of congestion in the trucking industry. The American Transport Research Institute’s Cost of Congestion study shows that congestion is adding almost 110-billion dollars to the industry’s costs. Renee Amar (AY-mar), the executive director of the Louisiana Motor Transport Association, says in the Baton Rouge area, a big cause for congestion is poorly-designed roadways, and she gives an example that is currently being rectified.

Cut 5 (13) “…delay and congestion.”

Fifty-two recruits of Cadet Class 106 began their journey as Louisiana State Police Troopers in Baton Rouge. LSP offers competitive pay, benefits, a take-home vehicle, overtime opportunities, and an excellent retirement plan.  Trooper Shelby Mayfield says Cadet Class 107 will start in June, and applications remain open for aspiring troopers

Cut 8 (09) “…www-dot-lsp-dot-org.”

Graduation from the LSP Academy for class 106 is set for May 30th.

Soon, schools will have some important tools to help save people experiencing cardiac arrest thanks to the HEARTS Act, which passed unanimously in both houses of Congress.  According to statistics, only about one in ten children who experience cardiac arrest outside a hospital survive.  Americn Heart Association Boardmember Kristen Simpson says with an AED on hand, those odds improve exponentially.

Cut 11 (09) “…to 70 percent.”

It’s forecast to be a cold Saturday, but with Christmas only a week away mild temperatures will return for Christmas Day. LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim says we are also looking at the possibility of rain on Christmas Day…

Cut 14 (09) “…or more.”

Big rig trucks sitting in traffic is costing the trucking industry billions and billions of dollars. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Soon, it will be a lot easier for schools to have the tools needed to save people experiencing cardiac arrest. Jeff Palermo reports.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

______________________________________

A new study highlights the massive cost of congestion in the trucking industry. The American Transport Research Institute’s Cost of Congestion study shows that congestion is adding almost 110-billion dollars to the industry’s costs. Renee Amar (AY-mar), the executive director of the Louisiana Motor Transport Association, says the problem is very prevalent in Louisiana.

Cut 3 (12) “…3.6 billion dollars.”

Amar says many factors contribute to the costs of congestion.

Cut 4 (12) “…middle of congestion.”

Amar says in the Baton Rouge area, a big cause for congestion is poorly-designed roadways, and she gives an example that is currently being rectified.

Cut 5 (13) “…delay and congestion.”

The overall cost of congestion is up 15-percent over last year. The study says the costs are the equivalent of more than 430-thousand commercial truck drivers sitting idle for an entire year.

______________________________________

Fifty-two recruits of Cadet Class 106 began their journey as Louisiana State Police Troopers in Baton Rouge. Over the next 24 weeks, the cadets will undergo rigorous training in defensive tactics, firearms, emergency vehicle operations, de-escalation, ethics, and criminal and traffic law to prepare for careers in public service. Trooper Shelby Mayfield says recruits can start with no experience whatsoever.

Cut 6 (11) “…from the ground up.”

Mayfield says cadets are paid while they go through the academy and equipment is provided.

Cut 7 (13) “…while you’re in training.”

LSP offers competitive pay, benefits, a take-home vehicle, overtime opportunities, and an excellent retirement plan.  Mayfield says Cadet Class 107 will start in June, and applications remain open for aspiring troopers

Cut 8 (09) “…www-dot-lsp-dot-org.”

Graduation from the LSP Academy for class 106 is set for May 30th.

______________________________________

Soon, schools will have some important tools to help save people experiencing cardiac arrest thanks to the HEARTS Act, which passed unanimously in both houses of Congress. Kristen Simpson, a board member at the American Heart Association, says this bill, which is currently awaiting a signature from President Biden, will create a uniform standard for schools.

Cut 9 (08)  “…have any AEDs,”

Simpson says the act will help schools with everything that they need to help people experiencing cardiac arrest.

Cut 10 (10) “…emergency response plans.” (It helps schools purchase and maintain AEDs and train staff and students on how to perform CPR)

According to statistics, only about one in ten children who experience cardiac arrest outside a hospital survive. Simpson says with an AED on hand, those odds improve exponentially.

Cut 11 (09) “…to 70 percent.”

__________________________________________________________

Christmas Day is one week from today, but the warm weather does not make it feel like Christmas is approaching. LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim says that will change as a cold front moves through the state today. Keim says it will bring a little bit of rain and much cooler weather

Cut 12 (12) “…environment.”

Keim says high temperatures will only be in the 60s tomorrow and Friday, which is a big difference from what we are seeing today. He says cool air will continue flow down into Louisiana and temperatures will drop some for Saturday…

Cut 13 (15)  “…Saturday morning.”

High temperatures on Saturday will only be in the 50s, but mild temperatures will return for Christmas Day. Keim says we are also looking at the possibility of rain on Christmas Day…

Cut 14 (09) “…or more.”

Big rig trucks sitting in traffic is costing the trucking industry billions and billions of dollars. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

A cold front is moving through the northern half of the state at this hour. LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim…

Cut 12 (12) “…environment”

Highs tomorrow in the 60s and we could see below freezing temperatures in north Louisiana on Saturday.

Soon, schools will have some important tools to help save people experiencing cardiac arrest thanks to the HEARTS Act, which passed unanimously in both houses of Congress. Kristen Simpson, a board member at the American Heart Association, says this bill, which is currently awaiting a signature from President Biden, will create a uniform standard for schools.

Cut 9 (08)  “…have any AEDs,”

According to statistics, only about one in ten children who experience cardiac arrest outside a hospital survive. Simpson says with an AED on hand, those odds improve exponentially.

Fifty-two men and women have begun training to become Louisiana State Police Troopers. They are part of Cadet Class 106 and Trooper Shelby Mayfield says cadets are paid while they go through the academy and equipment is provided…

Cut 7 (13) “….while you’re training”

Mayfield says Cadet Class 107 will start in June, and applications remain open for aspiring troopers.

Fifty-two recruits of Cadet Class 106 began their journey as Louisiana State Police Troopers in Baton Rouge. Over the next 24 weeks, the cadets will undergo rigorous training in defensive tactics, firearms, emergency vehicle operations, de-escalation, ethics, and criminal and traffic law to prepare for careers in public service. Trooper Shelby Mayfield says recruits can start with no experience whatsoever.

Cut 6 (11) “…from the ground up.”

Enhanced seat belt warnings are coming soon in all new vehicles in the U.S. Under new NHTSA (NIT-sa) rules, all new vehicles will come equipped with enhanced seat belt warnings for front-seat occupants by September 1st, 2026; and seat belt warnings for rear-seat passengers will come one year later. Greg Fischer with the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission, says Louisianians already buckle up in huge numbers.

Cut 10 (11) “…are buckled up.”

If you still need to mail your Christmas gifts to arrive on time, time is running out. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (36) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

A new study highlights the massive cost of congestion in the trucking industry. The American Transport Research Institute’s Cost of Congestion study shows that congestion is adding almost 110-billion dollars to the industry’s costs. Renee Amar (AY-mar), the executive director of the Louisiana Motor Transport Association, says the problem is very prevalent in Louisiana.

Cut 3 (12) “…3.6 billion dollars.” 

A longtime Texas staple is coming to South Louisiana. Buc-ee’s will be opening a store along I-10 in Lafayette sometime in early 2026. Mandi Mitchell, the president and CEO of the Lafayette Economic Development Authority, says this means dozens of new jobs for the region.

Cut 24 (09) “…dollars an hour.”

Enhanced seat belt warnings will soon be required in all new vehicles in the U.S. Under new NHTSA (NIT-sa) rules, all new vehicles will come equipped with enhanced seat belt warnings for front-seat occupants by September 1st, 2026; and seat belt warnings for rear-seat passengers will come one year later. Greg Fischer with the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission says seat belts have been proven to save lives.

Cut 11 (09) “…not buckled up.”

If you still need to mail your Christmas gifts to arrive before Christmas Day, you’d better get a move on it. Today is the deadline for shipping by USPS Ground Advantage to guarantee that they will arrive by Christmas, and tomorrow is the deadline for Priority Mail. Evelina Ramirez with the Postal Service says they’re ready for the added volume.

Cut 9 (11)  “…season to shine.”

A requirement to display the Ten Commandments in all public school classrooms is set to take effect on January 1^st, but a federal judge has ruled its unconstitutional because it violates the separation of church and state. But Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murril says Louisiana school boards not involved in the original lawsuit can move forward with implementing the Ten Commandments law…

Cut 15 (08) “…to your order”

There are five school boards that can not display the Ten Commandments, because of the pending litigation.

The Lafayette Economic Development Authority has announced that Bucees has chosen Lafayette for its next store and it will be built along Interstate 10. LEDA President Mandi Mitchell says this is a big deal…

Cut 6 (15) “…period of time.”

Construction is slated to get underway early next year and the store will be fully operational by the second quarter of 2026.

If you still need to mail your Christmas gifts to arrive before Christmas Day, you’d better get a move on it. Evelina Ramirez with the Postal Service says the first deadline is today.

Cut 7 (10) “…is December 19th.”

And if you miss that deadline, your last resort is Priority Mail Express, with a deadline of December 21st – this Saturday.

Enhanced seat belt warnings are coming to al new vehicles in the U.S in September of 2026. That’s in response to new NHTSA (NIT-sa) rules.  Greg Fischer with the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission, on how small changes could save lives.

Cut 12 (11) “…the right direction.”

Fischer notes that many vehicles that are currently rolling off the assembly line already comply with NHTSA’s new rules.

Time is running out to get your gifts delivered by mail in time for Christmas.  Evelina Ramirez with the Postal Service says the first deadline is today. But if you miss that deadline, your last resort is Priority Mail Express, with a deadline of December 21st – this Saturday. Ramirez says volume is expected to pick up, and the Postal Service is ready.

Cut 9 (11)  “…season to shine.”

Barring an injunction from an appellate judge, most school districts in the state will be given the green light to display the Ten Commandments in classrooms starting on January 1st. Attorney General Liz Murrill says school boards not named in the ongoing lawsuit should have nothing to worry about..

Cut 14 (07) “…a federal lawsuit.”

————————

A longtime Texas staple will soon be coming to South Louisiana. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Enhanced seat belt warnings are coming to all new US vehicles in September of 2026.  Based on last year’s statistics Greg Fischer with the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission, says seat belts have been proven to save lives.

Cut 11 (09) “…not buckled up.”