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.  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.”

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.  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.”

Looking for a last-minute Christmas gift? Get tickets to the Angola Prison Rodeo, happening Saturday and Sunday, April 26 and 27.  Arrive early to enjoy live music, delicious food, and unique arts and crafts made by incarcerated individuals, including jewelry, leather goods, paintings, and woodwork.  Department of Corrections Communications Director Ken Pastorick says the proceeds go to the Inmate Welfare Fund.

Cut 11 (09) “…incarcerated at Angola.”

LSU’s Brian Kelly says the fans have helped in the Tigers’ pursuit in attracting the best players.  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.”

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

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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The LSU football team currently has the nation’s second ranked transfer class according to 247Sports. Kace Kieschnick has more…

Cut 2 (32) “…Kace Kieschnick.”

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

Cut 3 (07) “…this holiday season.”

Fischer says the increased police presence over the holidays has helped keep drivers safe…

Cut 4 (12) “…to fund them.”

With Christmas celebrations ongoing and New Year’s just around the corner, Fischer reminds Louisianians to plan ahead…

Cut 5 (10) “…butt home.” 

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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 from the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine, says Bird flu, caused by avian influenza viruses, primarily affects birds but can occasionally jump to humans through direct contact with infected animals.

Cut 6 (08) “…to another human.”

This cross-species transmission is relatively rare but can lead to severe illness in humans. Mitchell explains that close monitoring is essential to understand how the virus behaves and to prevent outbreaks.

Cut 7 (08) “…prepare for it.”

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

Cut 8 (13) “…to face that.”

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After serving five terms in Congress, Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves is 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. 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”

Graves’ tenure in Congress has been marked by a focus on addressing the needs of his constituents and delivering results for the region. With his departure, he now looks ahead to new opportunities and challenges, signaling a transition to the next phase of his career.

Cut 11 (14) “…sooner than later.”

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

Cut 12 (09) “…huge success”

Brune says Oklahoma wide receiver Nic Anderson headlines the class…

Cut 13 (18)  “…in Anderson”

Brune also highlighted edge rusher Patrick Payton. The Florida St. junior is the portal’s second-ranked prospect and top edge rusher…

Cut 14 (10) “…talent’s there.”

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 structures, traditionally pyramid-shaped but now include elaborate designs like a John Deere tractor.

Cut 5 (09) “…painted John Deere.”

Lighting of the bonfires starts around 7:00 P-M.

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.”

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. 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…”

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”

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 Social Security is not free and belongs to the people who paid into it.

Cut 4 (09) “…who earned it”

State Police are investigating a fatal police shooting in Hammond on 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 during the physical altercation, the deputy fired his weapon, striking Douglas…

Cut 7 (11) “…shooting incident .”

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 Christmas Eve and Christmas Day bring increased chances of showers and thunderstorms,

Cut 9 (09)  “…west of Shreveport,”

The Justice Department is suing the State of Louisiana and the Louisiana Department of Corrections, claiming that the state is keeping prisoners in custody after they have completed their sentences. Lydia Wright with the Promise of Justice Initiative says a years-long investigation found that the Louisiana Department of Corrections is keeping thousands of prisoners behind bars beyond their scheduled release dates.

Cut 12 (09) “…served their time.”

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.”

Congress is now in an all-out game of Beat The Clock. If Congress does not reach a budget deal by midnight Eastern time tonight, the federal government will be shut down. New Orleans Democratic Congressman Troy Carter says he thought there was a bipartisan, bicameral deal – until one man who’s not even in Congress threw everything into turmoil.

Cut 13 (07)  “…vote for it.”

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.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

In the largest fentanyl bust in Livingston Parish history, four individuals were arrested, and over 100-thousand doses of fentanyl were seized following a multi-agency investigation with Homeland Security Investigation and DEA. The operation began with the Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office investigating a drug trafficking ring led by Tyrone Broadway. Sheriff Jason Ard says undercover agents conducted multiple purchases from the group, uncovering approximately 36-thousand pressed fentanyl pills.

Cut 9 (08)  “…very long time,”

 The Louisiana National Guard is celebrating 30 years of its Youth Challenge Program. Lieutenant Colonel Kenny Paul says the Louisiana Guard’s Youth Challenge Program was among the first of its kind and one of the most successful.

Cut 6 (10) “…first initial ten.”

Firefighters from Caddo and Bossier parishes now have access to free annual physicals and cancer screenings through a new state law.  Willis Knighton is partnering with local fire districts and cities on the new health initiative. CEO Jaf Fielder says firefighters are 14-percent more likely to develop cancer because of their job than any other occupation.

Cut 3 (13) “…in the future.”

The CDC is continuing to monitor the first severe case of human bird flu in the U.S. Dr. Demetre Daskalakis with the CDC says bird flu has been around for many years, including human cases outside the U.S.

Cut 12 (13) “…50-percent of cases.”

A new study highlights the massive cost of congestion in the trucking industry. The American Transport Research Institute’s Cost of Congestion study shows that congestion is adding almost 110-billion dollars to the industry’s costs. Renee Amar (AY-mar) says many factors contribute to the costs of congestion.

Cut 4 (12) “…middle of congestion.”

Christmas Day is one week from today, but the warm weather does not make it feel like Christmas is approaching. LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim says high temperatures will only be in the 60s tomorrow and Friday, which is a big difference from what we are seeing today. He says cool air will continue flow down into Louisiana and temperatures will drop some for Saturday…

Cut 13 (15)  “…Saturday morning.”

Soon, it will be a lot easier for schools to have the tools needed to save people experiencing cardiac arrest. Jeff Palermo reports.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

A patient in Louisiana was hospitalized with H5N1 bird flu, marking the first severe U.S. case. The CDC confirmed the D1.1 genotype, linked to wild birds and backyard flocks. Exposure to sick birds caused the infection. The risk to public health remains low, but precautions are advised for high-risk groups.

A new study highlights the massive cost of congestion in the trucking industry. The American Transport Research Institute’s Cost of Congestion study shows that congestion is adding almost 110-billion dollars to the industry’s costs. Renee Amar (AY-mar), the executive director of the Louisiana Motor Transport Association, says in the Baton Rouge area, a big cause for congestion is poorly-designed roadways, and she gives an example that is currently being rectified.

Cut 5 (13) “…delay and congestion.”

Fifty-two recruits of Cadet Class 106 began their journey as Louisiana State Police Troopers in Baton Rouge. LSP offers competitive pay, benefits, a take-home vehicle, overtime opportunities, and an excellent retirement plan.  Trooper Shelby Mayfield says Cadet Class 107 will start in June, and applications remain open for aspiring troopers

Cut 8 (09) “…www-dot-lsp-dot-org.”

Graduation from the LSP Academy for class 106 is set for May 30th.

Soon, schools will have some important tools to help save people experiencing cardiac arrest thanks to the HEARTS Act, which passed unanimously in both houses of Congress.  According to statistics, only about one in ten children who experience cardiac arrest outside a hospital survive.  Americn Heart Association Boardmember Kristen Simpson says with an AED on hand, those odds improve exponentially.

Cut 11 (09) “…to 70 percent.”

It’s forecast to be a cold Saturday, but with Christmas only a week away mild temperatures will return for Christmas Day. LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim says we are also looking at the possibility of rain on Christmas Day…

Cut 14 (09) “…or more.”

Big rig trucks sitting in traffic is costing the trucking industry billions and billions of dollars. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Soon, it will be a lot easier for schools to have the tools needed to save people experiencing cardiac arrest. Jeff Palermo reports.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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A new study highlights the massive cost of congestion in the trucking industry. The American Transport Research Institute’s Cost of Congestion study shows that congestion is adding almost 110-billion dollars to the industry’s costs. Renee Amar (AY-mar), the executive director of the Louisiana Motor Transport Association, says the problem is very prevalent in Louisiana.

Cut 3 (12) “…3.6 billion dollars.”

Amar says many factors contribute to the costs of congestion.

Cut 4 (12) “…middle of congestion.”

Amar says in the Baton Rouge area, a big cause for congestion is poorly-designed roadways, and she gives an example that is currently being rectified.

Cut 5 (13) “…delay and congestion.”

The overall cost of congestion is up 15-percent over last year. The study says the costs are the equivalent of more than 430-thousand commercial truck drivers sitting idle for an entire year.

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Fifty-two recruits of Cadet Class 106 began their journey as Louisiana State Police Troopers in Baton Rouge. Over the next 24 weeks, the cadets will undergo rigorous training in defensive tactics, firearms, emergency vehicle operations, de-escalation, ethics, and criminal and traffic law to prepare for careers in public service. Trooper Shelby Mayfield says recruits can start with no experience whatsoever.

Cut 6 (11) “…from the ground up.”

Mayfield says cadets are paid while they go through the academy and equipment is provided.

Cut 7 (13) “…while you’re in training.”

LSP offers competitive pay, benefits, a take-home vehicle, overtime opportunities, and an excellent retirement plan.  Mayfield says Cadet Class 107 will start in June, and applications remain open for aspiring troopers

Cut 8 (09) “…www-dot-lsp-dot-org.”

Graduation from the LSP Academy for class 106 is set for May 30th.

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Soon, schools will have some important tools to help save people experiencing cardiac arrest thanks to the HEARTS Act, which passed unanimously in both houses of Congress. Kristen Simpson, a board member at the American Heart Association, says this bill, which is currently awaiting a signature from President Biden, will create a uniform standard for schools.

Cut 9 (08)  “…have any AEDs,”

Simpson says the act will help schools with everything that they need to help people experiencing cardiac arrest.

Cut 10 (10) “…emergency response plans.” (It helps schools purchase and maintain AEDs and train staff and students on how to perform CPR)

According to statistics, only about one in ten children who experience cardiac arrest outside a hospital survive. Simpson says with an AED on hand, those odds improve exponentially.

Cut 11 (09) “…to 70 percent.”

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Christmas Day is one week from today, but the warm weather does not make it feel like Christmas is approaching. LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim says that will change as a cold front moves through the state today. Keim says it will bring a little bit of rain and much cooler weather

Cut 12 (12) “…environment.”

Keim says high temperatures will only be in the 60s tomorrow and Friday, which is a big difference from what we are seeing today. He says cool air will continue flow down into Louisiana and temperatures will drop some for Saturday…

Cut 13 (15)  “…Saturday morning.”

High temperatures on Saturday will only be in the 50s, but mild temperatures will return for Christmas Day. Keim says we are also looking at the possibility of rain on Christmas Day…

Cut 14 (09) “…or more.”