Louisiana’s first black bear hunting season since 1987 ended on Sunday, so how did it go?

Cut 8 (06) “…80-percent males’

That’s John Hanks, who is the manager of the large carnivore program at the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. Deron Santiny of Lafayette harvested a 696-pound male in Tensas Parish.

President Biden has commuted the sentences of 37 of the 40 federal death row inmates. Two of the prisoners are from Louisiana.  In 2014 a federal jury Alexandria decided Thomas Sanders should be put to death for the kidnapping and murder of 12-year-old Lexis Roberts in 2010. Ex-New Orleans Police officer Len Davis no longer faces a death sentence for hiring a hitman to murder Kim Groves who filed a complaint against him in the 1990s. Both men will now serve a life sentence, without the possibility of parole.

The Christmas Eve Bonfires on the levee in St. James Parish is a tradition in Southern Louisiana, and they are happening tonight. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (27) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

LSU’s Brian Kelly says the fans have helped in the Tigers’ pursuit in attracting the best players.

CUT 13 (15) “…in the portal”

According to 2-4-7 sports, LSU has the second best transfer portal class in the country. Kelly challenged the fanbase earlier this month when he launched the Kelly Family Million Dollar Match Challenge. The Tigers coach would donate up to one million dollars to the Tiger Athletic Foundation for every dollar that’s donated to LSU’s NIL collective.

Black bear hunting season in Louisiana ended with a bang. John Hanks, the large carnivore program manager at the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, says it concluded Sunday with the harvesting of a massive 696-pound male.

Cut 7 (10) “…in recent decades.”

The massive bear was harvested by Deron Santiny (san-TIN-ee) of Lafayette, a Purple Heart recipient who received his permit through the Healing Road Foundation, which raffled off a permit to a Louisiana military veteran. Santiny’s bear was taken in Tensas Parish and is believed to be in its late teens to early 20s.

This was the state’s first black bear hunting season since 1987 and a total ten bears, eight males and two females, were harvested in the season that went from December 7^th to the 22^nd.

The Saints were shutout last night as the Packers beat New Orleans 34 to nothing. The Black and Gold are now five and ten on the season.

During this holiday season, LSU football coach Brian Kelly has found a lot of gifted players. Colleen Crain has more on the Tigers aggressive approach with the transfer portal…

Cut 3 (37) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

Looking for a last minute Christmas gift. Consider tickets to the spring rodeo at the Angola prison on the last weekend of April. Department of Corrections spokesperson Ken Pastorick says a rodeo featuring the inmates is the highlight, but you can also buy jewelry, leather goods, paints and wood work made by the prisoners and the proceeds go to the Inmate Welfare fund…

Cut 11 (09) “…at Angola”

Visit Angola-Rodeo-dot-com for tickets.

The Christmas Eve Bonfires on the levee in St. James Parish is a tradition in Southern Louisiana, and they are happening tonight. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (27) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

_____________________________________________

A military veteran from Lafayette who scored a black bear hunting permit through the Healing Road Foundation harvested what’s believed to be the biggest bear in state history. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

_____________________________________________

During this holiday season, LSU football coach Brian Kelly has found a lot of gifted players from other schools. Colleen Crain has more on the Tigers aggressive approach with the transfer portal this year…

Cut 3 (37) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

_____________________________________________

The Christmas Eve Bonfires on the Mississippi River levee in St. James Parish is a great Louisiana tradition. Parish President Pete Dufresne (du-FRAYN) says the tradition dates to the Cajun settlers, these bonfires serve as a guide to Midnight Mass and light the way for Santa.

Cut 4 (13) “…St. James Parish.”

Dufresne says the structures, traditionally pyramid-shaped but now include elaborate designs like a John Deere tractor.

Cut 5 (09) “…painted John Deere.”

The main events occur in Gramercy, Lutcher, and Paulina, with over 100 bonfires. Dufresne says it seems weather is going to cooperate, and rain shouldn’t be an issue.

Cut 6 (10) “…yet to reschedule.”

Lighting of the bonfires starts around 7:00 P-M.

_____________________________________________

Black bear hunting season in Louisiana ended with a bang. John Hanks, the large carnivore program manager at the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, says it concluded Sunday with the harvesting of a massive 696-pound male.

Cut 7 (10) “…in recent decades.”

To put that in perspective, adult male black bears in Louisiana typically weigh between 450 and 550 pounds. The massive bear was harvested by Deron Santiny (san-TIN-ee) of Lafayette, a Purple Heart recipient who received his permit through the Healing Road Foundation, which raffled off a permit to a Louisiana military veteran. Hanks says in all, the black bear hunting season, which went from December 7th through the 22nd, was very successful.

Cut 8 (06) “…80-percent males.”

Hanks says each bear harvested will provide hundreds of meals.

Cut 9 (09)  “…plates of food.”

This was the first black bear hunting season since 1987. Black bears were removed from the endangered list in 2016, allowing the department to hold a black bear hunting season.

_____________________________________________

Looking for a last-minute Christmas gift? Get tickets to the Angola Prison Rodeo, happening Saturday and Sunday, April 26 and 27. Department of Corrections Communications Director Ken Pastorick says the rodeo features Angola inmate cowboys competing in events like Convict Poker, Wild Cow Milking, Bull Riding, and the famous Guts-n-Glory.

Cut 10 (08) “…front of everybody”

Arrive early to enjoy live music, delicious food, and unique arts and crafts made by incarcerated individuals, including jewelry, leather goods, paintings, and woodwork.  Pastorick says the proceeds go to the Inmate Welfare Fund.

Cut 11 (09) “…incarcerated at Angola.”

Gates open at 8 a.m., with the action starting at 1 p.m. Tickets are 20 dollars and Pastorick says get this stocking stuffer while you can.

Cut 12 (07) “…our spring rodeo…”

Visit Angola-Rodeo-dot-com for tickets.

_______________________________________________________

LSU’s Brian Kelly says the fans have helped in the Tigers’ pursuit in attracting the best players. The Tigers coach challenged the fanbase earlier this month when he launched the Kelly Family Million Dollar Match Challenge, matching up to one million dollars in donations given to LSU’s NIL collective. He says the normal LSU fan is stepping up

Cut 13 (15)  “…in the portal”

LSU has signed 13 players out of the transfer portal and according to 2-4-7 sports, LSU has the second-best transfer portal class. Kelly says the big donors have also increased their contributions to LSU’s NIL collective, but it’s the grassroots support that has been really encouraging…

Cut 14 (15) “…base responded equally.”

Mansoor Delane is a cornerback the Tigers signed out of the transfer portal. Delane was rated as the number two cornerback in the NCAA Transfer portal after making 29 starts at Virginia Tech and intercepting six passes in his career. Kelly says Delane can also play safety and nickel back

Cut 15 (10) “…for us.”

Senator John Kennedy is hailing the passage of the Social Security Fairness Act. Kennedy said the act will benefit everyone who has paid into the system.

Cut 5 (13) “…Social Security Act.”

The Senate passed the act 76-20, with Republicans accounting for all 20 “no” votes. It now heads to President Biden’s desk for his signature.

Unseasonably warm and wet weather is expected for the Christmas week, with highs in the mid-70s and rain likely through Saturday. LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim says a cold front will come through Christmas Day, and temperatures may reach 73 degrees.

Cut 10 (07) “…not very cold.”

Keim says while it may be a Wet Christmas, the state is not expected to see any severe weather.

The Department of Justice is suing the State of Louisiana and the Louisiana Department of Corrections for allegedly keeping prisoners behind bars after they’ve completed their sentences. Sean Richardson reports.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

Black bear hunting season in Louisiana ended with a bang, with the harvesting of a massive 696-pound male. The Department of Wildlife and Fisheries says the season was very successful, with ten out of the 11 permit holders harvesting bears from December 7th to the 22nd. Of the ten bears, eight were male and two were female.

Senator John Kennedy is hailing the passage of the Social Security Fairness Act. The act eliminates two provisions that reduced the Social Security benefits of people who worked in the public sector. Senator Kennedy said Social Security is not free and belongs to the people who paid into it.

Cut 4 (09) “…who earned it”

State Police are investigating a fatal police shooting in Hammond on Saturday night. Authorities say a Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s deputy fatally shot 48-year-old Timothy Douglas of Ponchatoula during a foot pursuit. Trooper Marc Gremillion says during the physical altercation, the deputy fired his weapon, striking Douglas…

Cut 7 (11) “…shooting incident .”

Unseasonably warm and wet weather is expected for the Christmas week, with highs in the mid-70s and rain likely through Saturday. LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim says Christmas Eve and Christmas Day bring increased chances of showers and thunderstorms,

Cut 9 (09)  “…west of Shreveport,”

The Justice Department is suing the State of Louisiana and the Louisiana Department of Corrections, claiming that the state is keeping prisoners in custody after they have completed their sentences. Lydia Wright with the Promise of Justice Initiative says a years-long investigation found that the Louisiana Department of Corrections is keeping thousands of prisoners behind bars beyond their scheduled release dates.

Cut 12 (09) “…served their time.”

The Social Security Fairness Act is on its way to President Biden’s desk for his signature and Senator John Kennedy is hailing its passage. The act eliminates two provisions that reduced the Social Security benefits of people who worked in the public sector. Senator Kennedy said good riddance to them.

Cut 3 (17) “…earn their pensions.”

Louisiana is getting warm and wet weather for the Christmas week. LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim says Christmas Eve and Christmas Day bring increased chances of showers and thunderstorms, but we are not expecting severe weather…

Cut 11 (05) “…across the state.”

On Christmas Day temperatures may reach 73 degrees.

The Justice Department is suing the State of Louisiana and the Louisiana Department of Corrections, claiming that the state is keeping prisoners in custody after they have completed their sentences. Lydia Wright with the Promise of Justice Initiative blames the state for not using modern technology to keep track of release dates.

Cut 13 (15)  “…served their sentences.”

Governor Landry and Attorney General Liz Murrill issued a joint statement, calling the lawsuit frivolous and calling it, in their words, “Grinch Joe Biden’s parting Christmas present to the state and to its people.”

State Police are investigating an officer involved shooting in Hammond on Saturday night. Authorities say a Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s deputy fatally shot 48-year-old Timothy Douglas of Ponchatoula. Trooper Marc Gremillion says the deputy was trying to apprehend Douglas who allegedly was driving a stolen vehicle…

Cut 6 (12) “…altercation ensued.”

State Police are investigating a fatal police shooting in Hammond on Saturday night. Authorities say a Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s deputy fatally shot 48-year-old Timothy Douglas of Ponchatoula during a foot pursuit. Trooper Marc Gremillion says the deputy was trying to apprehend Douglas who allegedly was driving a stolen vehicle…

Cut 8 (09) “…working with us.”

The Saints are in Green Bay tonight. New Orleans rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler will make his fourth start of the season. Rattler made three starts in October and was sacked 14 times but showed more poise coming off the bench last week. Rattler says when started two months ago, starting center Eirk McCoy was injured and having back him back is huge…

Cut 19 (10) “…a lot better.”

The Department of Justice is suing the State of Louisiana and the Louisiana Department of Corrections for allegedly keeping prisoners behind bars after they’ve completed their sentences. Sean Richardson reports.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

Senator John Kennedy is hailing the passage of the Social Security Fairness Act. The act eliminates two provisions that reduced the Social Security benefits of people who worked in the public sector.

Cut 5 (13) “…Social Security Act.”

The Justice Department is suing the State of Louisiana and the Louisiana Department of Corrections, claiming that the state is keeping prisoners in custody after they have completed their sentences. Lydia Wright with the Promise of Justice Initiative…

Cut 12 (09) “…served their time.”

In a joint statement, Governor Landry and Attorney General Liz Murrill issued a joint statement, calling the lawsuit frivolous and, in their words, “Grinch Joe Biden’s parting Christmas present to the state and to its people.”

A weekend officer involved shooting led to the death of 48-year-old Timothy Douglas of Ponchatoula Authorities say a Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s deputy shot Douglas during an altercation after a foot pursuit Saturday night in Hammond. State Police were called in to investigate. Trooper Marc Gremillion says the deputy was trying to apprehend Douglas who was allegedly driving a stolen vehicle.

Cut 7 (11) “…shooting incident .”

Gremillion says the investigation remains active.

Senator John Kennedy is hailing the passage of the Social Security Fairness Act. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Expect unseasonably warm and wet weather for the Christmas week, with highs in the mid-70s. LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry says we are not expecting severe weather with the rain this week but Christmas Eve and Christmas Day bring increased chances of showers and thunderstorms. He says a cold front will come through Christmas Day.

Cut 10 (07) “…not very cold.”

One of the final acts of the 118^th Congress was approval of the Social Security Fairness Act, which will increase social security benefits for thousands of police, firefighters, teachers and other public sector workers and their spouses in Louisiana and across the country. Senator John Kenney was one of 76 senators who voted for it…

Cut 4 (09) “…who earned it”

The bill eliminates two statues that reduced payouts to many public sector workers.

Some encouraging job numbers for Louisiana. The Bureau of Labor Statistics says the state added four-thousand non-farm jobs last month and more than 20-thousand non-farm jobs in the last year. Emily DiPalma with the Louisiana Workforce Commission says a few sectors led the way in job growth.

Cut 14 (09) “…over the year.”

Unseasonably warm and wet weather is expected for Christmas week, with highs in the mid-70s and rain likely through Saturday. LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim says Christmas Eve and Christmas Day bring increased chances of showers and thunderstorms,

Cut 9 (09)  “…west of Shreveport,”

But Keim says the chance for severe weather is low and the rain should arrive after midnight in St. James Parish, where they light bonfires along the Mississippi River every Christmas Eve.

The Saints will not be in the playoffs for a fourth consecutive year, but they still have three more regular season games left, starting with tonight’s matchup at Green Bay. Spencer Rattler will start at quarterback for the injured Derek Carr and the rookie wants to get off to a fast start…

Cut 22 (20) “…great in”

Kick off is at 7:15.

Senator John Kennedy is hailing the passage of the Social Security Fairness Act. The act eliminates two provisions that reduced the Social Security benefits of people who worked in the public sector. Senator Kennedy said good riddance to them.

Cut 3 (17) “…earn their pensions.” 

The Justice Department is suing Louisiana, claiming that the state is keeping prisoners in custody after they have completed their sentences. The department says a years-long investigation found that the Louisiana Department of Corrections keeps thousands of prisoners behind bars beyond their scheduled release dates. Governor Landry and Attorney General Liz Murrill issued a joint statement, calling the lawsuit frivolous and calling it, in their words, Grinch Joe Biden’s parting Christmas present to the state and to its people.

State Police are investigating a deadly deputy-involved shooting in Hammond Saturday night. Authorities say a Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s deputy fatally shot 48-year-old Timothy Douglas of Ponchatoula during a foot pursuit. Trooper Marc Gremillion says the deputy was trying to apprehend Douglas who allegedly was driving a stolen vehicle…

Cut 6 (12) “…altercation ensued.”

If you’re dreaming of a White Christmas, you’ll be out of luck in this state. But if you’re dreaming of a WET Christmas, your dreams just might come true. The state will be experiencing a warming trend, with temperatures topping 70 degrees in much of the state by Christmas. And on Christmas Day, rain is in the forecast in many areas.

The Falcons made it official yesterday – the Saints will not be going to the playoffs. Those slim chances were dashed yesterday when the Falcons blew out the Giants. The Saints take on the Packers in Green Bay tonight.