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.”

If you haven’t started shopping for Christmas yet, you’d better get a move on it. LSU Marketing Professor Dan Rice says if you’re looking for a good deal on hot items, not only would you probably not get a good deal, you might be less likely to find the item in stock at all.

Cut 4 (07) “…out of luck.”

Other items may see some modest price drops but more significant decreases once Santa Claus has left town.

A new Bankrate survey shows that many Americans are missing out on credit card rewards. Senior Analyst Ted Rossman says people should opt for a cash back reward card to keep it simple.

Cut 7 (10) “…everything you buy.”

Cash back is the favorite feature for the majority  of cardholders, particularly among older and middle-income earners. Travel rewards appeal more to high-income groups but require more effort to maximize.

The Public Affairs Research Council of Louisiana says changes in the tax law will allow the state to erase a 400-million-dollar budget deficit in the new fiscal year that begins in July. PAR President Steven Procopio says a lot of that added revenue comes from the increase in the state sales tax.

Cut 10 (09) “…the general fund.”

Former Kansas City Chiefs running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire has joined the New Orleans Saints practice squad, marking a homecoming for the Baton Rouge native and former LSU standout. The two-time Super Bowl champ says he’s trying to learn this new offense as fast as he can.

Cut 14 (15) “…total package.”

The Saints signed him because of a potentially season-ending injury to star running back Alvin Kamara.

Time is running out to do your Christmas shopping. Will you get a good deal, or will you be paying a steep price for your procrastination? Andrew Greenstein has the answers.

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Bob Marlin is no longer the head coach of the Cajuns men’s basketball team. Jeff Palermo reports on why Marlin was fired during the middle of the season…

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If you’ve waited until now to start your Christmas shopping, it could be hit or miss on whether you’re getting a good price on those gifts. LSU Marketing Professor Dan Rice says whether prices will drop before Christmas depends on the item.

Cut 3 (11) “…a higher price.”

For example, Rice says Christmas lights may be on sale now, but they’ll be at a much bigger discount after Christmas. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a good deal on hot items, not only would you be less likely to find a good deal, you might be less likely to find the item in stock.

Cut 4 (07) “…out of luck.”

Rice says in some instances, you will need to do your homework to determine whether the price you’re paying is a good deal.

Cut 5 (13) “…relative to that”

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Many Americans are missing out on credit card rewards, according to a recent Bankrate survey. About 40-percent of U.S. adults lack a rewards credit card, and 23-percent of rewards cardholders didn’t redeem rewards in the past year. Bankrate Senior Analyst Ted Rossman says many people are missing out.

Cut 6 (10) “…real money here.”

Cash back is the favorite feature for 50-percent of cardholders, particularly among older and middle-income earners. Travel rewards appeal more to high-income groups but require more effort to maximize. Rossman says get a cash back reward to keep it simple

Cut 7 (10) “…everything you buy.”

Despite the appeal of rewards, many Americans miss out by failing to redeem them, highlighting a significant opportunity to capitalize on “free money” from strategic credit card use. Rossman says find out how many points or rewards you have and come up with a plan to use them.

Cut 8 (06) “…use them too.”

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The Public Affairs Research Council of Louisiana is forecasting the state to turn a deficit into a surplus for the next fiscal year.

Cut 9 (05)  “…increase in revenue,”

PAR President Steven Procopio says the changes in the tax code going into effect are expected to erase a 400-million-dollar budget deficit for the new fiscal year that begins in July. PAR says the original forecast for the general fund was 11.7-billion dollars; now, it’s 12.15-billion. Procopio says a lot of that added revenue comes from the increase in the state sales tax.

Cut 10 (09) “…the general fund.”

Furthermore, PAR projects its general fund forecast for the 2026-27 fiscal year to go from 11.87-billion dollars to 12.2-billion. Procopio cautions, however, that this is all speculative.

Cut 11 (14) “…were down 50.”

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Former Kansas City Chiefs running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire has joined the New Orleans Saints practice squad, marking a homecoming for the Baton Rouge native and former LSU standout. Edwards-Helaire was the starting running back on the Tigers 2019 national championship team and he says there’s no better feeling than to be back home.

Cut 12 (12) “…no better time.”

Edwards-Helaire has not played this season, as he was on the non-football injury list, before the Chiefs released him earlier this month. The former Catholic High of Baton Rouge star says he’s going to make the best of every opportunity he gets.

Cut 13 (10)  “…better spot.”

The Saints signed Edwards-Helaire because of a potentially season-ending injury to starting running back Alvin Kamara. The two-time Super Bowl champ says he’s trying to learn this new offense as fast as he can.

Cut 14 (15) “…total package.”

A new Bankrate survey shows that many Americans are missing out on credit card rewards. Senior Analyst Ted Rossman says people should opt for a cash back reward card to keep it simple.

Cut 7 (10) “…everything you buy.”

Cash back is the favorite feature for the majority  of cardholders, particularly among older and middle-income earners. Travel rewards appeal more to high-income groups but require more effort to maximize.

If you haven’t started shopping for Christmas yet, you’d better get a move on it. LSU Marketing Professor Dan Rice says if you’re looking for a good deal on hot items, not only would you be less likely to find a good deal, you might be less likely to find the item in stock at all.

Cut 4 (07) “…out of luck.”

Other items may see some modest price drops but more significant decreases once Santa Claus has left town.

Bob Marlin is no longer the head coach of the Cajuns men’s basketball team. Jeff Palermo reports on why Marlin was fired during the middle of the season…

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

The Public Affairs Research Council of Louisiana is forecasting the state to turn a deficit into a surplus for the next fiscal year.

Cut 9 (05)  “…increase in revenue,”

PAR President Steven Procopio says that’s due to the changes in the tax code, particularly the increase in the state sales tax.

Civil rights organizations are urging school districts not to post the Ten Commandments in classrooms starting January 1st as required by a new state law. Alanah Odoms, the executive director of the ACLU of Louisiana, says Judge John DeGravelles (de-GRAVEL) was very clear in his ruling that the posting of the Ten Commandments in public schools is unconstitutional.

Cut 7 (15) “…going to go.”

The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, however, ruled that DeGravelles’ injunction only applies to the five districts named in the lawsuit – East Baton Rouge, Livingston, Orleans, St. Tammany and Vernon. Attorney General Liz Murrill says despite DeGravelles’ ruling, the law is constitutional and will appeal all the way to the Supreme Court if necessary.

Fewer Louisiana teachers are leaving the profession. The Louisiana Department of Education’s upcoming Teacher Exit Data Report shows a two-percent drop in the number of teachers exiting their positions, with 13-percent leaving in 2023-2024 compared to 15-percent the previous year. LDOE Deputy Superintendent Jenna Chaisson (CHASS-on) says this marks the second consecutive year of decline.

Cut 10 (11) “…leaving the classroom.”

Speaking of jobs, the Bureau of Labor Statistics says the state’s seasonally adjusted employment numbers continue to rise. The bureau says the state added four-thousand non-farm jobs last month and more than 20-thousand non-farm jobs in the last year. Leisure and hospitality is the sector that gained the most jobs. The seasonally-adjusted unemployment rate is 4.3-percent, up two-tenths of a point from last month.

If Plan A and Plan B don’t work, try a plan C. That’s what House Speaker Mike Johnson is saying that the House is going to do to avoid a shutdown. Johnson did not go into detail on what exactly that Plan C entails, only saying that Congress will vote on it this morning. Whatever plan it goes with, time is running out. Funding for the federal government runs out at midnight Eastern time tonight; and if there’s no deal, the federal government will be shut down.

More teachers in Louisiana are sticking with the profession. The Louisiana Department of Education’s Teacher Exit Data Report shows a two-percent drop in the number of teachers exiting their positions. LDOE Deputy Superintendent Jenna Chaisson (CHASS-on) says one thing the state is doing to keep good teachers is offering different compensations for different jobs.

Cut 12 (16) “…some shortages”

Civil rights organizations have one word of advice for school districts in regards to posting the Ten Commandments in classrooms: Don’t. Alanah Odoms, the executive director of the ACLU of Louisiana, is urging the state to follow its own advice on respecting the rule of law until the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals hears oral arguments on the Ten Commandments law on January 23rd.

Cut 9 (13)  “…the school districts.”

A federal judge put the law on hold, saying that it’s unconstitutional. The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals later ruled that the stay only applies to the five districts which sued the state.

Triple-A is expecting a record number of travelers this Christmas and New Year’s. Don Redman with Triple-A says if you’re flying out, get to the airport early.

Cut 5 (06) “…long security lines.”