AM LRN Newscall Dec 24 Christmas Eve

The COVID reserve list among the Black and Gold continues to grow and right now Ian Book will start as QB on Monday against the Dolphins. Brooke Thorington has more

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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Governor John Bel Edwards shares a look into his family holiday plans. Kevin Gallagher has that…:

Cut 2 (25) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.” 

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COVID is forcing the Saints to adjust for a second week. Last week it was head coach Sean Payton and now about two handfuls of players including their top two quarterbacks, Taysom Hill and Trevor Siemian are on COVID reserve. Saints Tight End Nick Vannett (Van-it) believes rookie QB Ian Book will be ready for Monday’s game against Miami.

Cut 3 (10) “….be fine.” 

Vannett, the only active TE on the Saints roster, is familiar with major shuffling for COVID, last November when he played for Denver, the Broncos had only a day’s notice before they played the Saints without a quarterback.

Cut 4 (09) “….last year.”

Saints Kicker Brett Maher who was three for three on field-goal attempts during Sunday’s 9-0 win over Tampa Bay, says with COVID the team has to be flexible and they’ll be ready to play the Dolphins in the Dome.

Cut 5 (04) “…called on.”

In addition to Hill and Siemian, tight ends Adam Trautman and Juwan Johnson, and Safety Malcolm Jenkins are also on COVID reserve. Sources say more players still are expected to land on the COVID-19 list

Kickoff Monday night is at 7:15.

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It will be anything BUT a white Christmas for Louisiana this year, as temperatures are expected to rise to near-record highs for this time of year. State Climatologist Barry Keim says, hold off on the coats and mittens; you won’t need them this weekend. Keim says the warming begins right away…:

Cut 6 (08) “…even warmer yet.”

Keim says afternoon highs across the entire state will top out somewhere in the low-to-mid 70’s for Christmas Eve…:

Cut 7 (06) “…for the highs.”

For Christmas Day, Keim says we can expect high temperatures around 80, which is a few degrees lower than the Christmas Day record (85, set in 1903). He says the chill will eventually return, but…:

Cut 8 (06) “… any time soon.”

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After being snuffed out last year by COVID more than 300 wooden structures will light up the skies tonight and organizers are expecting more visitors than usual this year to the Bonfires on Levee. Executive Director of the Louisiana River Parishes Tourist Commission Jay Robichaux says wear comfortable shoes and dress for very unseasonable temps.

Cut 9 (10)  “…a great time.”

Organizers say parking will be an issue, so they highly recommend carpooling with some friends

Over the years Robichaux says there have been some very created bonfires constructed to light the way for Papa Noel. He says the group Blood, Sweat, and Bonfires has once again built a must-see structure you need to visit before they strike a match.

Cut 10 (11)  “…unique bonfire.”

And because of heavy anticipate traffic in St James Parish along River Road, Robichaux says from 6 pm until 9 pm traffic will only flow in one direction.

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In addition to the bonfires, you can expect fireworks and plenty of people eager to enjoy the annual tradition. This year’s theme is “Let the Good Times Burn.”

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Governor John Bel Edwards will take a little bit of time away from his executive duties to enjoy the Christmas holiday. Mr. Edwards says he has some plans to relax indoors…:

Cut 12 (06) “…the holiday period.”

The Governor says he’ll also find some time to do what fellow sportsmen do in the Sportsman’s Paradise…:

Cut 13 (07) “…gonna be great!”

Mr. Edwards says last Christmas was a somewhat low-key event, largely because of the COVID pandemic. He aims to do things differently this year…:

Cut 14 (07)  “…didn’t do last year.”

Governor Edwards wishes everyone a very safe, healthy, and Merry Christmas.