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.  Dozens of bonfire structures are lit every year on December 24th, to light the way for the Cajun Santa: Papa Noel. Josh Weidert says  the 22 foot long, 7 feet tall snapping turtle was inspired by drones that fly over the levees and take pictures and videos from every angle:

Cut 4  (09) “ingenuity.” 

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, state Climatologist Barry Keim says a strong cold front will usher in colder air starting Saturday…

Cut 6 (10)  “and 60s.”

Governor John Bel Edwards is wishing residents across the state a very Merry Christmas…:

Cut 9 (09)  “of Louisiana”

Edwards says Louisiana’s brightest days are ahead, and major changes are on the horizon that will move the state into a new era of prosperity in 2018.

Ag Commissioner Mike Strain says his department is responsible for making sure all animals brought into the state don’t pose any health threats to other animals in Louisiana.  But Strain says a very special herd of animals will be allowed in the state this holiday season…

Cut 14 (12) “Santa Claus.”

Much of the state is seeing record high temperatures in the 80s today, but thankfully a big cool down is expected just in time for Christmas Day. No White Christmas is in store for the Bayou State, but State Climatologist Barry Keim says there is a slight chance we could see spotty severe weather:
Cut 8 (08) “marginal risk”
The front will bring in some rain tonight through tomorrow, but Keim says skies should become partly sunny Sunday, with breezy and eventually cooler conditions on the way for St. Nick.

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.

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. Matt Doyle Reports…:
Cut 1 (30) “Matt Doyle”

Governor John Bel Edwards is wishing residents across the state a very Merry Christmas. He says Louisiana’s brightest days are ahead, and major changes are on the horizon that will move the state into a new era of prosperity…:
Cut 11 (08) “in Louisiana”

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

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.

AAA says more than 107 million people will take planes, trains, cars and other modes of transport between December 23rd and New Year’s Day. Spokesman Don Redman says they’ve seen these huge travel numbers all year…:
CUT 25 (13) “their own budget”

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 a big weekend for Christmas present crunch time, and retailers are rolling out plenty of last-minute deals to get that holiday dollar.

The last Saturday before Christmas is known as Super Saturday, and LSU Marketing Professor Dan Rice says it’s a big day for brick and mortar stores because it’s too late for online shopping in most cases…:

Cut 4 (06) “get otherwise”

About 126 million people, or 53 percent of consumers, plan to shop on Saturday, according to a report from the National Retail Federation.

The roads will be busy as a record number of travelers are out there. AAA’s Don Redman says most of the over 107 million people are hitting up warm weather destinations to wrap up the year…

Cut 9 (10) “Fort Lauderdale”

97.4 million People are expected to take their car.

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, state Climatologist Barry Keim says a strong cold front will usher in colder air starting Saturday…

Cut 6 (10)  “and 60s.”

No White Christmas is in store for the Bayou State, but Keim says there is a slight chance we could see spotty severe weather

Louisiana State Police are warning drivers to expect delays this weekend as holiday travel clogs the roads.

Part of safe driving is making sure your vehicle maintenance is up to date. Trooper Glen Younger says motorcyclists in particular need to make sure their ride is road ready…

Cut 11 (11) “irrecoverable.”

Holiday season means holiday parties, and that could lead to poor decisions on the road. Younger says if you plan on drinking, make a plan and stick to it.

The National Retail Federation says half of holiday shoppers will hit up stores on the last Saturday before Christmas, also known as “Super Saturday.” Michelle Southern reports…:

Cut 1 (30) “Michelle Southern”

Two persons died in an overnight house fire in Bastrop. Fire Chief Thomas Crowder says the victims are a senior citizen and a young child.  The cause of the fire is unknown.  The house is located off of Broadnax Avenue.

A record 103 million Americans will take to the roads and skies between now and the first of the year.  Triple-A’s Don Redman says the 6-milion choosing to fly will see lower airline fares.  Redman says cheaper air fares started appearing over the Thanksgiving holidays and it has continued through now…

Cut 8 (12) “prices on.”

Redman says they expect a one-point-five percent increase in air travel over last year.

For the seventeenth year in a row State Police troop E out of Alexandria will be delivering gifts to children who are stuck in the hospital for Christmas.  The troop plans to meet Christmas Eve morning to start wrapping gifts to deliver to kids later that night.  Master Trooper Scott Moreau says any hospitalized child, regardless of background, will be getting a gift…

Cut 14 (05) “get a gift.”

The National Retail Federation says half of holiday shoppers will hit up stores on the last Saturday before Christmas, also known as “Super Saturday.” They say of those who miss the Christmas deadline, 46 percent say they will take their shopping back online. LSU Marketing Professor Dan Rice says even though many shoppers will be out, they still know websites are the best place to learn what deals are out there this weekend…:
Cut 6 (06) “of their time”
The NRF says about 126 million people, or 53 percent of consumers, plan to shop on Saturday.

The roads will be busy as a record number of travelers are out there. AAA’s Don Redman says most of the over 107 million people are hitting up warm weather destinations to wrap up the year…
Cut 9 (10) “Fort Lauderdale”
97.4 million people are expected to take their car.

For the seventeenth year in a row State Police troop E out of Alexandria will be delivering gifts to children who are stuck in the hospital for Christmas. The troop plans to meet Christmas Eve morning to start wrapping gifts to deliver to kids later that night. Master Trooper Scott Moreau says it’s his troops way of spreading a little holiday cheer..:
Cut 15 (10) “is priceless”
He says the collect toys for the drive all year long.

The US House has passed an $81 billion disaster recovery bill, which includes a fix to the issue where flood victims who applied for SBA loans were not able to access Restore Louisiana recovery grants. Congressman Garret Graves, who is among those authoring the policy change included in the legislation, says the current guideline penalizes those who were proactive in trying to rebuild their homes. The fate of the bill is less certain in the US Senate.

Over 107 million Americans will take to the roads and skies between now and the first of the year. Kelley Ray talked with Triple A’s Don Redman…:
Cut 2 (31) “I’m Kelley Ray”

Busy roads means lots of traffic, longer drive times and the possibility for road rage. Glen Younger with State Police says the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over Campaign is also underway, so it’s best to make a plan and stick with it
Cut 12 (11) “costly”

The Saints can qualify for the playoffs with a win over NFC South rival Atlanta or a Carolina loss this weekend. Quarterback Drew Brees expects a big running game out of Alvin Kamara and Mark Ingram…:
Cut 17 (15) “the job”
The game kicksoff Sunday at 12noon on FOX.

For the 70th year in a row, State Police troop E out of Alexandria will be delivering gifts to children who are stuck in the hospital for Christmas. The troop plans to meet Christmas Eve morning to start wrapping gifts to deliver to kids later that night. Master Trooper Scott Moreau says the troop never stops working on the toy drive..:
Cut 13 (05) “collect toys”
It’s part of LSP’s Christmas with a Trooper’ program, where they meet at Troop E to make bags of toys for every child patient in the area.

AAA says more than 107 million people will take planes, trains, cars and other modes of transport between December 23rd and New Year’s Day. Spokesman Don Redman says they’ve seen these huge travel numbers all year…:
CUT 25 (13) “their own budget”
97.4 million people are expected to hit the road, while 6.4 million people have plans to take the friendly skies.

Glen Younger with State Police says the extended traffic times can stress drivers and sometimes lead to road rage. He says if you are driving, expect longer travel times…:
Cut 10 (06) “of traffic”
He reminds drivers that the Drive Sober or Get Pulled over campaign is underway, so if you plan to drink during a holiday gathering, designate a driver.

A state police troop is bringing toys to kids stuck in the hospital for the holidays. Matt Doyle has more…:
Cut 3 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

The National Retail Federation says half of holiday shoppers will hit up stores on the last Saturday before Christmas, also known as “Super Saturday.” LSU Marketing professor Dan Rice on the hot last minute pickup…:
Cut 5 (10) “into it”