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.  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.”

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.  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.”

Looking for a last-minute Christmas gift? Get tickets to the Angola Prison Rodeo, happening Saturday and Sunday, April 26 and 27.  Arrive early to enjoy live music, delicious food, and unique arts and crafts made by incarcerated individuals, including jewelry, leather goods, paintings, and woodwork.  Department of Corrections Communications Director Ken Pastorick says the proceeds go to the Inmate Welfare Fund.

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

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

The first confirmed severe case of bird flu (H5N1) in a human in the U.S., occurring in Louisiana, point out significant concerns about the virus’s potential impact on both human and animal health.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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The LSU football team currently has the nation’s second ranked transfer class according to 247Sports. Kace Kieschnick has more…

Cut 2 (32) “…Kace Kieschnick.”

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The Louisiana Highway Safety Commission is reminding Louisiana drivers to drive sober or get pulled over this holiday season. LHSA public information Officer Greg Fischer says the state participates in the national campaign every year…

Cut 3 (07) “…this holiday season.”

Fischer says the increased police presence over the holidays has helped keep drivers safe…

Cut 4 (12) “…to fund them.”

With Christmas celebrations ongoing and New Year’s just around the corner, Fischer reminds Louisianians to plan ahead…

Cut 5 (10) “…butt home.” 

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The first severe case of bird flu in a human in the U.S. has been confirmed in Louisiana, raising concerns about its implications for both animal and human health. Mark Mitchell, a professor from the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine, says Bird flu, caused by avian influenza viruses, primarily affects birds but can occasionally jump to humans through direct contact with infected animals.

Cut 6 (08) “…to another human.”

This cross-species transmission is relatively rare but can lead to severe illness in humans. Mitchell explains that close monitoring is essential to understand how the virus behaves and to prevent outbreaks.

Cut 7 (08) “…prepare for it.”

While the immediate risk to the general public remains low, Mitchel says the case highlights the importance of being prepared, and public awareness to mitigate potential risks.

Cut 8 (13) “…to face that.”

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After serving five terms in Congress, Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves is proud of his accomplishments, particularly his efforts to benefit South Louisiana.

Cut 9 (11)  “…South Louisiana.” 

Reflecting on his tenure, Graves expressed satisfaction with his decision to step down, emphasizing the importance of leaving office on his terms rather than overstaying. His decision highlights a commitment to maintaining a balanced career and ensuring his time in public service concludes positively.

Cut 10 (08) “…recognize it before us”

Graves’ tenure in Congress has been marked by a focus on addressing the needs of his constituents and delivering results for the region. With his departure, he now looks ahead to new opportunities and challenges, signaling a transition to the next phase of his career.

Cut 11 (14) “…sooner than later.”

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The LSU football team has made waves in the transfer portal and currently boasts the second-ranked transfer class according to 247Sports. Matthew Brune of the Bengal Tiger says the Tigers have devoted more N-I-L funds to signing transfers than years past. He says LSU has added necessary depth and new playmakers…

Cut 12 (09) “…huge success”

Brune says Oklahoma wide receiver Nic Anderson headlines the class…

Cut 13 (18)  “…in Anderson”

Brune also highlighted edge rusher Patrick Payton. The Florida St. junior is the portal’s second-ranked prospect and top edge rusher…

Cut 14 (10) “…talent’s there.”

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

Cut 5 (09) “…painted John Deere.”

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.”

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. 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…”

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”

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.”

This week, human remains have been discovered at two different locations near the town of Ville Platte. The first discovery was over the weekend in a field located south of the Martin Luther King Junior Center. The second set of human remains was found just north Ville Platte on Monday. Authorities are working to identify the remains.

The Christmas Eve Bonfires on the Mississippi River levee tonight 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.”

Saints fans have received a lump of coal from their favorite NFL team this year as New Orleans continued its dreadful season last night with a 34-to-nothing loss to Green Bay. Saints interim head coach Darren Rizzi says it was a disappointing performance….

Cut 20 (20) “…disappointing day”

The Saints are 5-and-10 and will host Las Vegas this Sunday.

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries says a total of ten bears, eight males and two females were harvested during a black bear hunting season that ended Sunday….

Cut 9 (11) “…almost 40 years”

Military veteran Deron Santiny from Lafayette harvested a 696-pound bear in Tensas Parish. It’s believed to be the largest harvested bear in the state’s history.

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 spokesperson Ken Pastorick says the rodeo features Angola inmates as 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.

Rain is in the forecast for Louisiana on Christmas Eve and into Christmas Day. But St. James Parish President Pete Dufrense says they believe the rain will come after midnight for southeast Louisiana, which means the weather should be good for their Christmas Eve bonfires along the Mississippi River…

Cut 6 (10) “…yet to reschedule”

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

LSU football coach Brian Kelly’s stocking has been stuffed with transfer portal players. The Tigers have signed 13 of them over the last couple of weeks, including Virginia Tech cornerback Mansoor Delane, who can also play safety and nickelback….

Cut 15 (10) “…for us”

Rough night for the Saints last night as the Green Bay Packers won in dominating fashion over New Orleans 34 to nothing.

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.”

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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.”

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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.

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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.