The Louisiana Highway Safety Commission has a stern Christmas warning for drivers – drive sober or get pulled over. It’s a national campaign that Louisiana participates in every year. Officer Greg Fischer says with Christmas celebrations ongoing and New Year’s just around the corner, people need to plan ahead.

Cut 5 (10) “…butt home.” 

A Slidell community springs into action after a beloved pastor and his wife lose everything, including their daughters’ Christmas gifts, when their parsonage went up in flames. The church donated seven-thousand dollars to Pastor Miguel Serrano and his wife, Jessie, and a GoFundMe campaign kicked in another three-thousand dollars. Businesses also replaced Serrano’s business equipment. Investigators believe the fire was caused by flammable products being stored in the laundry room with a gas dryer.

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

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

A Lafayette teen spreads Christmas cheer. 16-year-old Madison McManus held a Christmas stocking drive for kids who are sick or hospitalized during the holiday. Madison was inspired to do so after she herself was hospitalized during the Easter holiday when she was seven years old. This is the fourth year that Madison has done a Christmas stocking drive.

After a decade in Congress, Baton Rouge Republican Garret Graves is preparing to bid Capitol Hill farewell. Graves expressed satisfaction with his decision to step down, emphasizing the importance of leaving office on his terms rather than overstaying. He says 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”

Law enforcement throughout Louisiana is on the lookout for drunk drivers this holiday season. Officer Greg Fischer with the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission says the state participates in the national “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign every year. Fischer says the increased police presence over the holidays has helped keep drivers safe.

Cut 4 (12) “…to fund them.”

The LSU football team currently has the nation’s second ranked transfer class according to 247Sports. Kace Kieschnick (KEESH-nick) has more.

Cut 2 (32) “…Kace Kieschnick.”

The Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office is spreading Christmas cheer. The office’s mental health department is donating clothing, hygiene items and other items to the Holy Cross Hope House, which helps people who have no place to stay. The department has been helping the Holy Cross Hope House for more than five years.

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 at the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine, says Bird flu primarily affects birds but can occasionally jump to humans through direct contact with infected animals.

Cut 6 (08) “…to another human.”

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

The WInnsboro Rotary Club is holding a blanket donation drive to help the victims of Hurricane Helene in North Carolina. Last month, the Rotary Club sent a check to their counterparts in Blowing Rock, North Carolina. This month, they decided to take things one step further and hold a blanket donation drive. Those wishing to help can go to the Winnsboro Rotary Club’s Amazon page.

After serving five terms in Congress, Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves’ time on Capitol Hill is drawing to a close. Graves says he’s 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.

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 added necessary depth and new playmakers…

Cut 12 (09) “…huge success”

LSU is preparing to take on Baylor in the Texas Bowl New Year’s Eve.

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 in years past. He says LSU has added necessary depth and new playmakers…

Cut 12 (09) “…huge success”

As for the current squad, they’re preparing to take on Baylor in the Texas Bowl New Year’s Eve. Linebacker Whit Weeks says this week is not just the end of the 2024 season but the start of 2025….

Cut 19 (12) “…play LSU football.”

The team that takes the field may look a little different from the one fans have seen all season due to transfers and opt-outs.

After Monday night’s debacle, the Saints have nowhere to go but up. The Saints play their final home game of the season Sunday against the Raiders. Interim Head Coach Darren Rizzi says while it’s unclear at this point whether Alvin Kamara will play, the star running back is trying his best to do so.

Cut 20 (15) “…get himself back.”

Rizzi says Derek Carr is making progress from a broken non-throwing hand and a concussion, and his status for Sunday will be clearer later in the week.

Just like the Saints, the Pelicans have won just five games this season while being decimated with injuries. However, there could be light at the end of the tunnel. Zion Williamson has started his return to play conditioning phase of his rehabilitation from a left hamstring strain and is expected to return to full practice next week. From there, Williamson will be day to day.

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

Cut 3 (07) “…this holiday season.”

A Slidell community springs into action after a beloved pastor and his wife lose everything, including their daughters’ Christmas gifts, when their parsonage went up in flames. The church donated seven-thousand dollars to Pastor Miguel Serrano and his wife, Jessie, and a GoFundMe campaign kicked in another three-thousand dollars. Businesses also replaced Serrano’s business equipment. Investigators believe the fire was caused by flammable products being stored in the laundry room with a gas dryer.

A Lafayette teen spreads Christmas cheer. 16-year-old Madison McManus held a Christmas stocking drive for kids who are sick or hospitalized during the holiday. Madison was inspired to do so after she herself was hospitalized during the Easter holiday when she was seven years old.

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

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

The LSU football team makes waves in the transfer portal and currently boasts the second-ranked transfer class according to 247Sports. This, as the Tigers have devoted more N-I-L funds to signing transfers than years past. LSU is preparing to take on Baylor in the Texas Bowl New Year’s Eve.

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.”

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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.

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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.

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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 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.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Louisiana 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 the state’s two biggest metro areas topped the list.

Cut 15 (16) “…over the year (3x).”

DiPalma says this marks 44 straight months that monthly jobs experienced year-over-year growth.

If you enjoyed the cooler weather this weekend, I hope you took full advantage, as it’s going to warm up this week. By Christmas, temperatures will hit the 70s throughout much of the state. And while your dreams of a White Christmas won’t come true, they will come true if you’re dreaming of a WET Christmas.

When the Saints take the field tonight against the Packers in the Frozen Tundra of Lambeau Field, they will be playing for pride. The Falcons’ blowout win over the Giants yesterday ended what was left of the Saints’ faint playoff hopes.

27-percent of Louisiana third graders – more than one in four – scored far below state reading targets on a fall assessment. Deputy Superintendent Jenna Chaisson (CHASS-on) says there have, however, been many literacy improvements in the state.

Cut 10 (13) “…teachers and leaders”

Under a new state law, third graders who fall well below state reading targets do not get promoted to fourth grade.

A new report shows that a quarter of a million Louisianians live in households that can’t afford enough food. Joel Berg with Hunger Free America points out that the money the government spends to determine which kids get free meals at school and which ones get reduced-cost meals could actually go to feeding all kids.

Cut 9 (11)  “…all its kids.”

The Louisiana Department of Health will no longer be promoting seasonal vaccines like flu, COVID and mpox, as the department is prohibiting workers from doing so. Rosemary Westwood, who broke the story for NPR; says that is something that the department had regularly done, especially since the start of the COVID pandemic.

Cut 5 (12) “…to get them.” 

In a statement, the Department of Health says its position now is that seasonal vaccines should be individual choices.

More families in Louisiana are going hungry. Joel Berg with Hunger Free America says a new report shows that a quarter of a million Louisianians live in households that can’t afford enough food – that’s an increase of 10-percent since the summer of 2021.

Cut 7 (09) “…terms of hunger.”

More than 1 in 4 Louisiana third graders – 27-percent – scored well below state reading targets on a fall assessment. Deputy Superintendent Jenna Chaisson (CHASS-on) says these screeners give them valuable information for where students are in their reading comprehension.

Cut 12 (13) “…literacy skills…”

Under a new state law, third graders who score well below reading targets do not get promoted to fourth grade.

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.”