Crowley Representative and Republican John Stefanski has been tapped to chair House and Governmental Affairs; the committee tasked with overseeing redistricting next year. It will define the boundaries of each Legislative and Congressional district and can result in maps that are a major boon for the party in control of the Legislature, but Stefanski says he aims to be fair…

Cut 4 (08) “…right”

The map must win full Legislative approval in the Republican-dominated Capitol, but could be vetoed by Democratic Governor John Bel Edwards.

Lafayette will have a new police chief New Year’s Eve. Lafayette Mayor-President Josh Guillory has appointed Thomas Lee Glover Sr. of Dallas. Glover retired from the Dallas Police Department in 2017. The new chief says his first priority is to make Lafayette safer with a focus on community policing.

The Day 1 Families Fund awards Catholic Charities of Acadiana a $5-million dollar grant to help families facing homelessness. Catholic Charities Spokesperson Ben Broussard says The Day 1 Families Fund is a part of the Jeff Bezos Day One charitable organization, Bezos is best known as the founder of Amazon

Cut 7 (11)  “…to us.”

High School Football Fans will begin flocking to Natchitoches today to attend the annual LHSAA Prep Classic.  Kelli West, spokesperson for the Parish Tourist Commission says they are catering to football fans by extending hours for the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and the Northwest Louisiana History Museum and there’s plenty of other activities for visitors.

Cut 11 (11) “…see and do.”

Games for the Prep Classic kickoff Sunday.

It’s a chilly Christmas Day in the Bayou State, and as many people are inside opening presents or gathering around the table for a Christmas meal,  Governor John Bel Edwards understands 2020 has been a difficult year for most families, but he’s looking forward to a better 2021…
cut 30 (07) “….me in prayer”

The Day 1 Families Fund awards Catholic Charities of Acadiana a $5-million dollar grant to help families facing homelessness. Catholic Charities Spokesperson Ben Broussard says with the pandemic and two major hurricanes the grant couldn’t have come at a better time.
Cut 6 (11) “…homelessness.”
The money comes from a charitable organization created by the founder of Amazon, Jeff Bezos.

House Speaker Clay Schexnayder names Crowley Representative and Republican John Stefanski the chair of House and Governmental Affairs, the committee tasked with overseeing redistricting next year. We don’t have census data just yet but Stefanski says they’re confident about one thing…

Cut 3 (08) “…right now.”
Ten years ago the state lost a congressional seat after a population loss post-Hurricane Katrina.

The LHSAA Prep Football Classic is set to begin Sunday in Natchitoches. Natchitoches Parish Tourist Commission spokesperson Kelli West says they are ready to welcome thousands of football fans, and many of them are visiting for the first time…
cut 9 (07) “…favorite team”
Their famous Christmas Light Display will be still be up and the quaint town is also home to the house featured in the 1989 film Steel Magnolias.

A Crowley Republican has been tapped to chair the House committee in charge of the legislative and congressional districts next year.

 Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

A spokesperson with the Baton Rouge Police Department says they have arrested a man for making a bomb after discovering suspicious devices following an incident in North Baton Rouge on Christmas Eve. Sgt. Don Coppola says 22-year-old Joseph Paul Mobley of Baton Rouge is charged with possession and manufacturing of a bomb. They were initially called to the scene for a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

The Catholic Charities of Acadiana has received a five-million-dollar grant to help solve family homelessness. Catholic Charities of Acadiana spokesperson Ben Broussard says with mass evictions and the hurricanes they’ve spent half a million dollars to keep families from being homeless. He says the five-million-dollar grant from The Day One Families Fund will help them build a new shelter and aid more families…

cut 8 (11) “…right there”

Natchitoches is preparing to host the L-H-S-A-A’s Prep Football Classic. The four-day event begins Sunday. This is a real tourism opportunity for the town as they have an already scheduled fireworks show set for Saturday night and they hope football fans check out their renowned Christmas lights…
cut 10 (12) “….and scenes”
That’s Parish Tourist Commission spokesperson Kelli West.

Crowley Representative and Republican John Stefanski has been tapped to chair House and Governmental Affairs; the committee tasked with overseeing redistricting next year. It will define the boundaries of each Legislative and Congressional district and can result in maps that are a major boon for the party in control of the Legislature, but Stefanski says he aims to be fair…

Cut 4 (08) “…right”

The map must win full Legislative approval in the Republican-dominated Capitol, but could be vetoed by Democratic Governor John Bel Edwards.

Lafayette will have a new police chief New Year’s Eve. Lafayette Mayor-President Josh Guillory has appointed of Thomas Lee Glover Sr. of Dallas. Glover retired from the Dallas Police Department in 2017 where he served as deputy chief since 2012. The new chief says his first priority is to make Lafayette safer with a focus on community policing.

The Day 1 Families Fund awards Catholic Charities of Acadiana a $5-million dollar grant to help families facing homelessness. Catholic Charities Spokesperson Ben Broussard says The Day 1 Families Fund is a part of the Jeff Bezos Day One charitable organization, Bezos is best known as the founder of Amazon

Cut 7 (11)  “…to us.”

High School Football Fans will begin flocking to Natchitoches Saturday to attend the annual LHSAA Prep Classic.  Kelli West, spokesperson for the Parish Tourist Commission says they are catering to football fans by extending hours for the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and the Northwest Louisiana History Museum and there’s plenty of other activities for visitors.

Cut 11 (11) “…see and do.”

Games for the Prep Classic kickoff Sunday.

It’s a chilly start to this Christmas Day, but many people are inside unwrapping presents. Governor John Bel Edwards understands 2020 has been a difficult year for most families, but he’s looking forward to a better 2021…
cut 30 (07) “….me in prayer”

A Crowley Republican has been tapped to chair the House committee in charge of redistricting in 2021. Matt Doyle has the story.
Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

The Saints can win the N-F-C South for a fourth consecutive season today with a win over the Minnesota Vikings. It’s the first time the Black and Gold have played on Christmas Day but veteran receiver Emmanuel Sanders is looking forward to it…
cut 13 (11) “…Day”
Tre’Quan Smith, Marcus Williams and Nick Easton have been ruled out for this game.

The LHSAA Prep Football Classic is set to begin Sunday in Natchitoches. Natchitoches Parish Tourist Commission spokesperson Kelli West says they are ready to welcome thousands of football fans, many of them are visiting Natchitoches for the first time…
cut 9 (07) “…favorite team”
Natchitoches’ famous Christmas Light Display will be lit and there’s a fireworks show on Saturday night.

It’s Christmas Day a day to open presents, visit with family, eat food and today there will be plenty of sports to watch. The Pelicans will face the Heat to begin the NBA’s five-game extravaganza. And the Saints host the Vikings for a rare Friday afternoon 3:30 kick-off in the Dome.

The LHSAA Prep football Classic begins Sunday in Natchitoches and Brooke Thorington says the city is putting out the red carpet…
cut 2 (30) “…Brooke Thorington”

The Louisiana Legislature had its hands full in 2020 and 2021 also looks busy. Redistricting will be a priority once all of the census data comes in. Crowley Republican John Stefanski has been named chairman of the House Governmental Affairs Committee, which oversees the drawing of political lines. But Stefanski says it’s also likely the state will face a COVID-induced budget deficit when they return in April for the regular session…
cut 5 (08) “….redistricting”
That special session would take place in June.

The Day 1 Families Fund awards Catholic Charities of Acadiana a $5-million dollar grant to help families facing homelessness. Catholic Charities Spokesperson Ben Broussard says with the pandemic and two major hurricanes the grant couldn’t have come at a better time.
Cut 6 (11) “…homelessness.”
The money comes from a charitable organization created by the founder of Amazon, Jeff Bezos.

The Catholic Charities of Acadiana has received a five-million-dollar grant to help solve family homelessness. Catholic Charities of Acadiana spokesperson Ben Broussard says with mass evictions and the hurricanes they’ve spent half a million dollars to keep families from being homeless. He says the five million dollar grant from the Day One families fund will help them build a new shelter and aid more families…
cut 8 (11) “…right there”

House Speaker Clay Schexnayder names Crowley Representative and Republican John Stefanski the chair of House and Governmental Affairs, the committee tasked with overseeing redistricting next year. We don’t have census data just yet but Stefanski says they’re confident about one thing…

Cut 3 (08) “…right now.”
Ten years ago the state lost a congressional seat after a population loss post-Hurricane Katrina.

The Saints look to win the NFC South today and avoid a three-game losing streak when they host the Vikings for a 3:30 kick-off. Minnesota is 6-8 on the season and need a win to keep their faint playoff hopes alive. Saints Safety Malcolm Jenkins…
cut 12 (08) “…A-game
New Orleans has lost to the Vikings twice in the playoffs in recent history, both times Minnesota won on the final play.

Natchitoches is preparing to host the L-H-S-A-A’s Prep Football Classic. The four-day event begins Sunday. This is a real tourism opportunity for Natchitoches as they have an already scheduled fireworks show set for Saturday night and they hope football fans check out their renowned Christmas lights…
cut 10 (12) “….and scenes”
That’s Natchitoches Parish Tourist Commission spokesperson Kelli West.

The Saints look to win the NFC South today and avoid a three-game losing streak when they host the Vikings for a 3:30 kick-off. Minnesota is 6-8 and need a win to keep their faint playoff hopes alive. Saints Safety Malcolm Jenkins…
cut 12 (08) “…A-game
New Orleans has lost to the Vikings twice in the playoffs in recent history, both times Minnesota won on the final play.

A Crowley Republican has been tapped to chair the House committee in charge of redistricting in 2021. Matt Doyle has the story.

 Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

_______________________________

As football fans get ready for the LHSAA Prep Classic, this year it’s the city of Natchitoches putting out the red carpet for attendees. Brooke Thorington has more

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

 __________________________________________

Crowley Representative and Republican John Stefanski has been tapped by the State House Speaker to chair House and Governmental Affairs, the committee tasked with overseeing redistricting next year.

We don’t have census data just yet but Stefanski says they’re pretty confident about one thing…

Cut 3 (08)  “…right now.”  

Ten years ago the state lost a congressional seat after the population plummeted post-Hurricane Katrina.

Redistricting defines the boundaries of each Legislative and Congressional district and can result in maps that are a major boon for the party in control of the Legislature, but Stefanski says he aims to be fair…

Cut 4 (08) “…right”

The map will be crafted in House and Governmental Affairs and must win full Legislative approval in the Republican-dominated Capitol, but could be vetoed by Democratic Governor John Bel Edwards.

Stefanski says redistricting is a major endeavor but the Legislature’s first priority upon returning to session in April will be addressing a likely COVID-induced budget deficit…

Cut 5 (08) “..redistricting.”

The Legislature is scheduled to convene the regular session on April 12^th and can run until June 10^th. A redistricting focused special session could take place a day after the regular session ends.

__________________________________________

The Day 1 Families Fund awards Catholic Charities of Acadiana a $5-million dollar grant to help families facing homelessness. Catholic Charities Spokesperson Ben Broussard says with the pandemic and two major hurricanes the grant couldn’t have come at a better time.

Cut 6 (11) “…homelessness.”

The Day 1 Families Fund is a part of the Jeff Bezos Day One charitable organization, Bezos is best known as the founder of Amazon. Broussard says this is the largest grant they have ever received in their 47-year history.

Cut 7 (11)  “…to us.”

Broussard says just this year with mass evictions and the hurricanes they’ve spent half a million dollars to keep families from being homeless. The $5 million grant will help them build a new shelter and aid more families.

Cut 8 (11) “…right there.”

Broussard says they’ve seen family homelessness grow by 200-percent in the Acadiana area this year.

_____________________

High School Football Fans will begin flocking to Natchitoches Saturday to attend the annual Louisiana High School Athletic Associations’ Prep Classic.  Kelli West, spokesperson for the Natchitoches Parish Tourist Commission says they are looking forward to new visitors.

Cut 9 (07) “…favorite team.”

The games were moved away from New Orleans due to COVID restrictions.

West says fans can get an early start on taking in the sites Saturday night with a fireworks show before games kick off on Sunday. They can also bask in the city’s renowned Christmas lights.

Cut 10 (12) “…and scenes.”

Natchitoches will be catering to football fans by extending hours for the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and the Northwest Louisiana History Museum.  West says there’s plenty of activities for visitors.

Cut 11 (11) “…see and do.”

Natchitoches is also home to the house featured in the 1989 film Steel Magnolias.

The games will be played at Northwestern State, Sunday through Wednesday.

_____________________________________

The Saints continue the race for the 1^st seed in the NFC playoffs today against the 6-8 Vikings in the Dome with kickoff set for 3:30.

Minnesota haunts the dreams of Black and Gold fans and Saints safety Malcolm Jenkins says while their nemesis has struggled this year their record is not reflective of their talent…

Cut 12 (08) “…A-game.”

Six of the Viking’s eight losses have been by a touchdown or less. The Saints are only a game and a half behind Green Bay for the only bye week in the playoffs.

The Saints now top receiver Emmanuel Sanders is excited about the Christmas Day contest. He says it’ll be a packed, but fun day for him and his family.

Cut 13 (11) “…Day.”

It’s the first time the Saints have ever played on Christmas Day. The last NFL games to be played on Christmas were in 2017.

_________________________

The Ragin Cajuns go after their tenth win of the season Saturday when they take on Texas San Antonio in the Servpro First Responder Bowl in Dallas. U-L Lafayette enters the game as co-champs of the Sun Belt Conference. They were disappointed the conference tite game was canceled because of COVID issues with Coastal Carolina, but Coach Billy Napier says his team is now focused on winning this bowl game…

Cut 14 (14) “…right way” 

U-L Lafayette is 9-1, while the Roadrunners are 7-and-4 and enter the game on a three-game winning streak. U-T-S-A features the Conference USA Offensive Player of the Year in Sincere McCormick, who has rushed for 13-hundred yards. Napier says they must slow down McCormick…

Cut 15 (15)“…success.”

_____________________________________

We’re only a day away from Christmas and state officials are asking residents who have made plans to gather for the holiday outside of their immediate household to cancel those plans. COVID hospitalizations are at their highest level since April and Assistant State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says our red levels of community spread mean any large gathering statistically will have one infectious person…

Cut 10 (07) “…accurate.”

COVID deaths now total 7,272.

Congressman-elect Luke Letlow, who won the runoff for the 5^th district Congressional seat, has been moved into the ICU but is reportedly in stable condition with COVID. Monroe Mayor Friday Ellis tested positive late Tuesday and is reportedly suffering mild symptoms. And a spokesperson for the Lt. Governor says Billy Nungesser is recovering nicely from COVID-19.

2020 Retail sales have been a mixed bag according to LSU Marketing Professor Dan Rice. He says while online sales were up dramatically only some brick-and-mortar stores did better than in the past, Rice says athletic stores, bicycle shops, and home improvement stores are doing well. Other holiday staples however are not.

Cut 8 (10) “…from home.”

64-year-old Terry Bowden is the new football coach at ULM. The former Auburn coach has a big task in front of him as he takes over a program that failed to win a game in 2020 at a school that has the smallest athletic budget among FBS schools. But Bowden says he’s ready for the challenge…

Cut 12 (14) “…grinder.”

Assistant State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter warns the data shows we are most likely in the middle of the most dangerous part of the pandemic, even as vaccines have trickled into the state. The Department of Health reported 46 new COVID fatalities today, the first three days of the week we had in three days in a row of over 50 COVID deaths…

Cut 9 (07) “…before.”

Our total number of fatalities from COVID is 7,272

Students, parents, and loved ones are mourning the loss of a Lafayette special education teacher. 53-year old Michelle Suire died on Tuesday from COVID-19 complications. The beloved teacher taught first through third graders at S.J. Montgomery Elementary. The Lafayette Parish Teachers Union posted a tribute to Suire on Facebook who leaves behind a 19-year-old daughter and a 17-year old son.

This year’s last-minute Christmas Eve shopping could be easier on your wallet than in the past. LSU Marketing Professor Dan Rice says procrastinators might actually find bargains because foot traffic was down as much as 90 percent for some stores.

Cut 6 (08) “…still.”

The Louisiana River Parishes Tourist Commission has enlisted a 50-foot permanent alligator bonfire display that goes by the name of Saint. Executive Director Buddy Boe says bonfires are lit annually on Christmas Eve along the levee to guide Papa Noel, to children’s homes along the river. Boe says Saint will serve as a landmark this year to guide Papa because COVID canceled tonight’s bonfires.

Cut 5 (08) “…pandemic.”

Saint is located near the visitor’s center in LaPlace.