A Christmas wish for the state every year is more jobs and it looks Santa is delivering. Don Molino has the story…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Don Molino”

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The unbeaten Tigers are spending Christmas in Atlanta getting ready to play Oklahoma in the program’s first semifinal playoff game. Jeff Palermo the story…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

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A TopCashback.com survey shows only 17 percent of Americans usually get a holiday bonus, and just over half never receive holiday bonuses.

What used to be a common corporate tradition and sign of thanks to a workforce has clearly gone to the wayside. Rebecca Gramuglia with TopCashback says it’s a shocking trend…

Cut 3 (10)      “…discussion” 

For those lucky few who expect to receive a bonus, just over half say it will be under 500 dollars, about a quarter say it’ll be 500 to 1,000 dollars, and ten percent say it’ll be 1,000 to 1,500 dollars.

When asked if they were more likely to receive a pay raise or a bonus, Gramuglia says it’s far more common to see the bonus, if you see anything at all.

Cut 4 (07) “both”

For those that do expect to receive a holiday bonus, Gramuglia says about half of respondents plan on using it to help with Christmas shopping.

Cut 5 (11) “…saving”

1,953 adults were surveyed.

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Alexandria-based RoyOMartin announces plans to invest 25-million dollars into its oriented strand board site in Oakdale ande its plywood manufacturing site in Chopin (Sho-pan). Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain says this is great news coming from one of Louisiana’s biggest employers

Cut 6 (07) “…the community”

RoyOMartin employes over one-thousand workers in Louisiana. Officials say this investment will lead to an additional 10 permanent jobs and 28 new indirect jobs. Strain says one reason RoyOMartin is investing in these two facilities is that new home construction is at a 12-year high…

Cut 7 (10) “…strand board.”

The RoyOMartin plant in Oakdale is the leading employer in Allen Parish and the company’s modernization of the Chopin facility will feature plantwide upgrades. Strain says it’s exciting news for the state’s natural resource-based economy

Cut 8 (10) “…of Louisiana”

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LSU offensive coordinator Steve Ensminger says Oklahoma’s defense might be the fastest they’ve faced this season. Ensminger says the Sooners speed presents problems for opposing offenses, especially those that try to run the football

Cut 9 (09) “many of them”

Ensminger believes leading rusher Clyde Edwards-Helaire will play, despite a hamstring injury that had him on crutches last week. He says if Edwards-Helaire can’t play, other guys are ready to step up

Cut 10 (14) “…with the ball”

Because of LSU’s Joe Burrow, many are enjoying a nice meal this Christmas. Burrow spoke about the poverty in his hometown during his Heisman acceptance speech. It led to almost 500-thousand dollars in donations to the Athens County Food Bank in Ohio. Burrow says he never expected that kind of support

Cut 11 (12) “this Christmas”

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While many of us will get to be home today at some point with our family to celebrate Christmas, not all Louisianans are so lucky. Thousands of Bayou State natives are deployed around the world serving our country today, and a few of them have sent well wishes back home.

One Shreveport native is spending the holidays in Kuwait as part of the 386 Expeditionary Communications Squadron…

Cut 12 (12) “…soon” 

Haynesville, Louisiana native, Lt. Col. Joseph Evans is at Fort Hood for the holidays…

Cut 13 (10) “…holidays”

And one Mandeville native hopes her family and friends aren’t the only ones who have a great holiday season…

Cut 14 (11) “…Superbowl”

St. Tammany Parish Sheriffs are reporting a disturbing incident in Slidell in which a 53-year-old man engaged in a domestic dispute that ended in his suicide. Authorities say the unnamed man punched his wife in the face, then turned around and shot his 15-year-old son in the arm before retreating to the garage and shooting himself. 1^st responders brought the man to a nearby hospital where he died, and his son is being treated for non-life-threatening injuries.

Temperatures aren’t expected to drop below the mid-50s for Christmas and could rise all the way into the 70s for many parts of the state tomorrow by the end of the day. State Climatologist Barry Keim says expect this unusual trend to continue…

Cut 11 (10) “Christmas like.”

A centuries-old River Parishes Christmas Eve tradition continues tonight as about 190 bonfires will be lit along the Mississippi levees in St. James and St. John parishes. River Parishes Tourism Commission Executive Director Buddy Boe says the festivities run till 10 PM with fireworks shooting off at 6:50 PM and the bonfires being lit at 7 PM.

Cut 12 (10) “Noel”

Most bonfires are traditional teepees, but about seven are special structures, like a 74-foot long alligator made of wood.

LSU’s defense has a lot on it’s hands Saturday as it faces the number two offense in the nation in Atlanta. Oklahoma is known for it’s Jalen Hurts powered O, but defensively they’re a bit of a mess, allowing 25 points a game. Tigers Center Lloyd Cushenberry on what he sees from Oklahoma’s defense…

Cut 4 (11) “play hard”

A centuries-old River Parishes Christmas Eve tradition continues tonight as about 190 bonfires will be lit along the Mississippi levees in St. James and St. John parishes. There are a few theories as to where the tradition comes from. Some think it’s a German harvest celebration, others think it may have been started by slaves, but nowadays most people agree…

Cut 13 (05) “…Noel”

That’s River Parishes Tourism Commission Executive Director Buddy Boe who says the lightings will begin at 7PM.

If you’re dreaming of a warm Christmas, then you’re in luck. State Climatologist Barry Keim says Christmas day temperatures will start in the 50s and reach into the 70s across the state, with temps remaining unseasonably high throughout the rest of the year….

Cut 10 (11) “…til Sunday”

Keim says there’s a little chance of rain as we close out the year, particularly for Sunday.

Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser is celebrating the success of “Songs for Veterans”, a program that helps vets cope with their experiences through songwriting. The program ran four workshops throughout the state in 2019, and Nungesser says he was particularly touched by the story of one vet who attended a workshop, and now has a new way to process their difficult experiences.

Cut 8 (10) “…beautiful.

One song written in the workshops, “Fall of Saigon”, is set to be recorded in Nashville.

LSU faces an old foe Saturday in Atlanta for the Peach Bowl in Oklahoma QB Jalen Hurts. Hurts led the 2016 and 2017 Bama teams that smacked the Tigers around, and Hurts was a big part of Saban’s success during that period before transferring.  LSU defensive end Rashard Lawrence says the plan is to hit Hurts often to slow him down…

Cut 5 (11) “…for it”

The West and East Banks of the Mississippi River Levees in St. James and St. John the Baptist Parishes will be alight with over 190 bonfires tonight…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Michael Farrar” 

If you plan on heading out to see the bonfires, leave the winter coat at home because you’ll be experiencing some unseasonably warm weather tonight.  State Climatologist Barry Keim…

Cut 9 (06) “Gulf of Mexico”

LSU’s defense will face what is likely the best offense they’ve seen all year Saturday when they play Oklahoma in the Peach Bowl. The Sooners are led by former Bama QB Jalen Hurts and star wideout Ceedee Lamb, who’ve powered the Sooners to second in the nation in total offense. Coach Ed Orgeron on the Oklahoma “O”…

Cut 3 (09)      “…tackling” 

Despite high powered offense, Oklahoma gives up 25 points a game on defense.

Governor John Bel Edwards joins more than 30 other Governors in announcing that they plan to still accept refugees despite a Trump Administration executive order that would allow states to opt out if they would prefer. An Edwards spokesperson says the decision was spurred on in part by the Louisiana Conference of Catholic Bishops, who appealed to the Governor to continue the policy. Edwards is Catholic.

It’s Christmas Eve but it doesn’t feel like it outside as warm Gulf air is making it feel more like spring outside…
cut 11 (08) “…Christmas like”
That’s State Climatologist Barry Keim, who says rain chances are low, maybe a couple of pop up showers until Sunday when a cold front arrives.

Louisiana’s Songs for Veterans, a program that helps vets cope with their experiences through songwriting, is gaining nationwide acclaim, and the attention of the National Endowment for the Arts. Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says early results show promise as a new form of therapy for struggling vets.
Cut 6 (09) “…suffering”
One of the songs written called “Fall of Saigon” is being produced in Nashville. Two more workshops are planned in 2020.

One of the more unique Christmas traditions takes place tonight along the Mississippi River levees in St. James and St. John parishes with the lighting of bonfires. The bonfires range in shapes and sizes, from an original teepee layout to a 74-foot long alligator. Rivers Parishes Tourism Commission Executive Director Buddy Boe says visitors can part at Lutcher High School and take a shuttle to the celebration…
cut 14 (10) “…tradition”
Or, you can hop in your car and ride down the East and West Bank River Roads on Highways 44 and 18.

LSU is spending Christmas in Atlanta getting ready for its semifinal matchup with Oklahoma in the Peach Bowl. Tigers Center Lloyd Cushenberry on what he sees from Oklahoma’s defense…
cut 4 (11) “…play hard”
LSU offensive coordinator Steve Ensminger believes running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire will play Saturday, despite a hamstring injury.

There is good economic development news today. Roy O Martin says it will invest 25-million dollars to modernize its facilities in Oakdale and Chopin. And London-based Liberty Steel Group says it will purchase a shuttered steel mill in LaPlace and reopen the facility in the second half of 2020 after they make improvements to the mill once operated by Bayou Steel Group.

A songwriting project that helps vets cope with their experiences through songwriting is so successful it’s set to have one of its works recorded in Nashville…
Cut 1 (30) “I’m Brooke Thorington”

If Oklahoma is to upset LSU in Saturday’s Peach Bowl, Sooners starting quarterback and Heisman Trophy finalist Jalen Hurts will need to have a big game. Hurts already owns two victories over LSU during his time as the starting quarterback at Alabama. LSU defensive end Rashard Lawrence is familiar with what Hurts will try to do…
cut 5 (11) “…for it”
The Tigers defense will also have to account for All-American wide receiver CeeDee Lamb, who has 14 touchdown catches.

No chance for white Christmas in Lousiiana this year, In fact the weather will be very spring like, with high temperatures around 70-degrees…
cut 10 (11) “…until Sunday”
State Climatologist Barry Keim says Sunday is the next time we’ll see a cold front.

Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says a program called Louisiana’s Songs for Veterans was a big hit this year. Nungesser says four workshops were held that gave veterans the opportunity to learn the craft of songwriting with the help of professional songwriters and touring musicians…
cut 7 (07) “….recorded”
Nungesser says they plan to have at least two more workshops in 2020.

A centuries-old River Parishes Christmas Eve tradition continues tonight as about 190 bonfires will be lit along the Mississippi River levees in St. James and St. John parishes. River Parishes Tourism Commission Executive Director Buddy Boe….
Cut 12 (10) “Noel”
The bonfires will be lit around 7 PM.

LSU has faced good offenses this season, but Oklahoma might be the best. The two teams will clash Saturday in Atlanta at the Peach Bowl. The Sooners are second in the nation in total offense and led by Heisman Trophy finalist Jalen Hurts and big-play receiver Ceedee Lamb. Coach Ed Orgeron on the Oklahoma “O”…
Cut 3 (09) “…tackling”
Orgeron also says there is a chance that running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire will play, despite a hamstring injury.

If you’re traveling over the river and through the swamp to grandmother’s house you can leave the winter coat at home. State Climatologist Barry Keim says it’s a very un-winter like Christmas for the Bayou State.
Cut 9 (06) “Gulf of Mexico”
High temperatures will be around 70 degrees this week.

A songwriting project that helps vets cope with their experiences through songwriting is so successful it’s set to have one of it’s works recorded in Nashville…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Brooke Thorington”

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The West and East Banks of the Mississippi River Levees in St. James and St. John the Baptist Parishes will be alight with over 190 bonfires tonight. Michael Farrar has more…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Michael Farrar” 

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LSU has faced good offenses this season, but Oklahoma might be the best. The two teams will clash Saturday in Atlanta at the Peach Bowl. The Sooners are second in the nation in total offense and led by Heisman Trophy finalist Jalen Hurts and big-play receiver Ceedee Lamb. Coach Ed Orgeron on the Oklahoma “O”…

Cut 3 (09)      “…tackling” 

In 2018, Oklahoma allowed 33 points a game. But this season they are allowing 25 points a contest under first-year defensive coordinator Alex Grinch. Tigers Center Lloyd Cushenberry on what he sees from Oklahoma’s defense…

Cut 4 (11) “play hard”

LSU went up against Hurts in 2016 and 2017 when he was the starting quarterback at Alabama. The Crimson Tide won both of those games and Hurts was a big factor why. LSU defensive end Rashard Lawrence says the plan is to hit Hurts often…

Cut 5 (11) “…for it”

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Louisiana’s Songs for Veterans, a program that helps vets cope with their experiences through songwriting, is gaining nationwide acclaim, and the attention of the National Endowment for the Arts.

Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says early results show promise as a new form of therapy for struggling vets.

Cut 6 (09) “…suffering”

The program is run through the Office of Cultural Development.

Four workshops have occurred across the state so far, with two more already scheduled. Nungesser says the workshops take place over four days…

Cut 7 (07) “…recorded.”

The program holds workshops in Alexandria, Shreveport, Lake Charles, and Baton Rouge.

Nungesser says he was particularly touched by the story of one vet who attended the workshop, and now has a new way to process their difficult experiences.

Cut 8 (10) “…beautiful.”

You can sign up for workshops at www-dot-BR-Music-Studios-Dot-Com-Slash-V-S-C.

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If you’re traveling to over the river and through the swamp to grandmother’s house you can leave the winter coat at home. State Climatologist Barry Keim says it’s very un-winter like this Christmas for the Bayou State.

Cut 9 (06) “Gulf of Mexico”

For the last week of the decade, temperatures will remain unseasonably mild. Keim says Christmas day temperatures will start in the 50s and reach into the 70s across the state, so no hope for a White Christmas.

Cut 10 (11) “…til Sunday”

After Christmas the warming trend will continue, according to Keim the day will begin in the mid-50s and reach into the mid-70s Thursday through Sunday.

Cut 11 (10) “Christmas like.”

Keim says there’s a little chance of rain as we close out the week, perhaps a few pop-up showers, the best chance of rain is on Sunday.

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A centuries old River Parishes Christmas Eve tradition continues tonight as about 190 bonfires will be lit along the Mississippi levees in St. James and St. John parishes.

River Parishes Tourism Commission Executive Director Buddy Boe says the festivities run till 10 PM with fireworks shooting off at 6:50 PM and the bonfires being lit at 7 PM.

Cut 12 (10) “Noel”

Most bonfires are traditional teepees, but about seven are special structures, like a 74-foot long alligator made of wood.

There are a few theories as to where the tradition comes from. Some think it’s a German harvest celebration, others think it may have been started by slaves, but nowadays most people agree…

Cut 13 (05) “…Noel”

This year visitors are encouraged to park at Lutcher High and ride the shuttle up to the levees for a real River Parishes cultural experience.

Cut 14 (10) “…tradition”

Or, you can hop in your car and ride down the East and West Bank River Roads on Highways 44 and 18 for a different view.

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Cut 15 (11) “…two better games”

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Cut 16  (27)  …break more records” 

Cut 17  (12) “I’m good” 

cut 18  (17)  areas”  

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cut 19 (10)  to it ”  

cut 20 (07) “my abilities”    

Four men were arrested in Donaldsonville when authorities followed a tip thee received about alleged dog fighting activity at a residence. Ascension Sheriff Bobby Webre (Web-burr) says cases of animal cruelty will always be taken seriously and that Ascension parish will not tolerate dogfighting.

Cut 14 (10) “…bond.”

Deputies have charged, 30-year-old Jarret Bringier of Darrow, along with three Donaldsonville residents, 36-year-old Joseph Duncan, 37-year-old Keith Williams Junior and 32-year-old Joshua Jones.

According to Louisiana State Police, 75 percent of the roadway fatalities during the 2018 Christmas holiday season were related to alcohol impairment.  State Trooper Michael Reichardt says never get behind the wheel if you are impaired or in the vehicle with a driver who is cannot drive safely due alcohol or drug impairment.

Cut 5 (11) “one too many”

For the latest road conditions visit 511-LA-dot-org or dial 511 from any cell phone in Louisiana.

There’s a chance LSU’s leading rusher could play Saturday against Oklahoma. Jeff Palermo has the story….
cut 2 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

A new year appears to be bringing a new crop to Louisiana. Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain expects Louisiana to receive federal approval to allow hemp licenses to be issued to Louisiana farmers by the first of January.

The commissioner says obtaining one of those licenses is a bit of a lengthy process because of regulation requirements. However, Strain says that so far, it appears Louisiana growers are intrigued by the plant’s possibilities…

Cut 6 (10) “…the road.”

Strain expects the next session to be held on January 8th or 9th.