It’s a chilly Christmas in Louisiana. Don Molino chats with State Climatologist Barry Keim…:

Cut 1 (28) “Don Molino”

An analysis commissioned by the Pew Charitable Trusts shows that investing in national parks in Louisiana could create over 110 new jobs.  Director of the Restore America Parks Campaign, Marsha Argust says the analysis shows there would be several job skills that would be needed to make the eight parks in Louisiana safer and positively impact visitor access…

Cut 7 (09)  “labor skills.”

As many are celebrating Christmas with family and friends, there are some Louisianians overseas who can’t be home. These service members are sending a big “Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays,” back home to their kin in The Bayou State…:

Cut 12 (22) “I love you, bye.”

Monroe based CenturyLink says they aren’t giving a Christmas bonus this year.  In an email to employees, CEO Glen Post cited low cash flow as the reason he decided against sending the bonus.  He says he’s looking forward to a successful 2018.

While it’s cold today it may become milder late next week.  State Climatologist Barry Keim says another chill down is expected for the last weekend of 2017. It’s going to be cold for the next several days…:

Cut 5  (08)  “across Louisiana”

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries’ December Aerial Waterfowl Survey shows a major migration of birds, over three million compared to just over one a half million last month.  Waterfowl Program Manager Larry Reynolds says waterfowl enjoy the mild Louisiana weather.  He says if the weather levels out, ducks will remain for quite a while…

Cut 11 (13) “of March.”

Duck hunting season will go on through mid January in the coastal areas of Louisiana…

Shreveport Police are looking for a suspect or suspects involved in an early Christmas morning shooting.  Three people were injured with a male adult suffering from potentially life threatening injuries.  All three, including a female adult and a teenager were transported to University hospital.  Police believe the assailant may have pulled up in a vehicle outside of the home and fired multiple shots at the house.

An analysis finds upgrading National Parks in Louisiana could create 110 jobs.  Matt Doyle talked with the Pew Charitable Trusts about what it would mean for the parks and the economy…

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Matt Doyle.”

It’s a brisk Christmas Day in Sportsman Paradise. State Climatologist Barry Keim says morning lows were at or near freezing, and afternoon highs will struggle to stay out of the 40s. He says it’s also very breezy out today with this cold air that’s filtering in from Canada…:
Cut 4 (05) “wind chill”
He says dry weather will last through Saturday before it looks like rain returns as we ring in 2018.

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries’ December Aerial Waterfowl Survey shows a major migration of birds, over three million compared to just over one a half million last month. Waterfowl Program Manager Larry Reynolds blames the weather…:
Cut 10 (09) “birds out”
Duck hunting season will go on through mid January in the coastal areas of Louisiana.

An analysis finds upgrading National Parks in Louisiana could create 110 jobs. Matt Doyle talked with the Pew Charitable Trusts about what it would mean for the parks and the economy..:
Cut 2 (31) “I’m Matt Doyle”

These military members send holiday greetings home to Louisiana…:
Cut 14 (23) “while I’m here”

It’s a chilly Christmas Day in Louisiana, as State Climatologist Barry Keim says there is a light freeze across northern parishes, and temps in the 30s across most of the state. He says the high this December 25th will only get to the low 40s to mid 50s…:
Cut 3 (03) “for Christmas”
Keim says while it may become milder late next week, another chill down is expected for the last weekend of 2017. But in the meantime it’s going to be cold like this for the next several days.

An analysis commissioned by the Pew Charitable Trusts shows that investing in national parks in Louisiana could create over 110 new jobs. Eight sites in the Bayou State that would benefit, according to Director of the Restore America Parks Campaign, Marsha Argust…:
Cut 6 (11) “historic buildings”
Argust says it’s sad that many of the parks are showing their age, since there hasn’t been a complete rehabilitation of the sites in over 60 years.

These service members who can’t be with family and friends this Christmas, are sending messages home…:
Cut 13 (23) “Merry Christmas”

Saints fans got a nice Christmas present this year as New Orleans heads to the playoffs following a 23-13 victory over the Falcons on Sunday. Coach Sean Payton thanked the screaming crowd in the Mercedes Benz Superdome…:
CUT 26 (04) “fantastic”
The Panthers won yesterday too so now New Orleans and Carolina are both 11-4, meaning the Saints need a win New Year’s Eve or a Carolina loss at Atlanta to win the NFC South.

It’s a chilly Christmas Day in Louisiana. Don Molino chats with State Climatologist Barry Keim…:
Cut 1 (28) “Don Molino”

The New Orleans Saints beat the Atlanta Falcons 23-13 in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on Sunday. Quarterback Drew Brees was 21-of-28 for 239 yards and a touchdown. He also threw an interception in the game. Mark Ingram led the Saints on the ground with 44 yards and a touchdown on 13 carries. New Orleans now needs to win in Tampa next week or the Panthers must lose in Atlanta in order for the black and gold to clinch the division.

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries’ December Aerial Waterfowl Survey shows a major migration of birds, over three million compared to just over one a half million last month. Waterfowl Program Manager Larry Reynolds says the increase may not be so good for hunters…:
Cut 9 (07) “and December”
Duck hunting season will go on through mid January in the coastal areas of Louisiana.

As we’re all celebrating this morning and unwrapping presents with family and friends, there are many Louisianians overseas who can’t be home this Christmas. These service members are sending a big “Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays,” back home to their kin in The Bayou State…:
Cut 12 (22) “I love you, bye.”

Governor John Bel Edwards released a statement about the latest unemployment number ahead of the holiday weekend; noting that the last time it was just 4.7 percent was in May of 2008. He says this is great news heading into 2018 where he’s optimistic about seeing compromise on the state’s budget woes…:
Cut 10 (10) “of prosperity”
He wishes Louisianians a very Merry Christmas.

It will feel a lot like Christmas as a cold front will bring more seasonable temperatures to Louisiana. After experiencing highs near 80 in parts of the state last week, State Climatologist Barry Keim says a strong cold front will usher in colder air starting today…:
Cut 6 (10) “and 60s”
He says we could see frost on the ground Christmas morning.

With holiday parties and shindigs in full swing, food borne illnesses become more frequent. There are several ways people could become sick. Louisiana Ag Commissioner Mike Strain says sometime people forget to use separate cutting boards, but he says it’s vital to make sure you stay well…:
Cut 12 (09) “cheese etc.”
Strain says you should always allow enough time to defrost any meat and poultry.

It’s official. One of the top high school prospects in the nation has committed to LSU. Parkway High School standout wide receiver Terrace Marshall Jr. shed a few tears as he donned the purple and gold cap. With Marshall, LSU should have a top ten recruiting class this spring. Alabama, Florida State, Texas and Texas A&M were the other schools Marshall considered. The Tigers ended the three day signing period with a total of 21 commitments, leaving four spots open.

Governor John Bel Edwards is wishing residents across the state a very Merry Christmas…:
CUT 9 (09) “of Louisiana”
Edwards released a statement about the latest unemployment number ahead of the holiday weekend; noting that the last time it was just 4.7 percent was in May of 2008.

Today, the last Saturday before Christmas, is known as Super Saturday – a day for last minute shoppers to pick up those gifts by the December 25th deadline. LSU Marketing Professor Dan Rice says it’s a big day for brick and mortar stores because it’s too late for online shopping…:
Cut 4 (06) “get otherwise”
About 126 million people, or 53 percent of consumers, plan to shop today, according to a report from the National Retail Federation.

Employees at Monroe-based CenturyLink were reportedly told this week that they won’t be getting a holiday bonus as they have before. Yahoo Finance reports that CenturyLink CEO Glen Post sent out an email to the company and said they still have to make progress in stabilizing and growing cash flow, because overall operating results this year were well below expectations. Yahoo reports CenturyLink declined to comment.

Much colder weather is arriving in time for Christmas…:
Cut 2 (29) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

A sweltering week looks to be over, and once the state got some rain out of the way, forecasters say we can expect much cooler temperatures to move in just in time for Christmas. Temps will be in the low to mid 50s by this afternoon. State Climatologist Barry Keim says frigid temperatures are in store for Christmas Eve night on into Christmas Day…:
Cut 7 (11) “mid 50s”
NORAD says conditions will be perfect for Santa’s big journey tomorrow night.

The St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office has arrested a Slidell area man for terrorizing after he made threats against a local church. Once detectives felt like they had enough evidence to secure an arrest warrant for 37-year-old Dusty Gerchow, they went to his home and found a huge supply of guns, ammunition and body armor. He allegedly made threats to kill a member of the Open Arms Ministries congregation.

There’s an extra special bonfire to be lit this Christmas Eve along the Mississippi River levee in St. John Parish that’s getting national attention:
Cut 1 (31) “Matt Doyle”

Saints Coach Sean Payton admitted he let his frustration with officials get out of hand during the first game between New Orleans and the Falcons, who are set to face off in the Superdome Sunday..:
CUT 27 (11) “me as well”
The big division game kicks off at noon tomorrow.