When shopping or donating this holiday season, Better Business Bureau President Carmen Million says to watch out for schemes trying to swipe your cash or steal your personal information.  She says don’t become a victim of unsolicited calls, emails, and texts.

Cut 10 (11) “…for it.”

If you receive an email requesting you to buy a gift card to pay for an item, she says to treat it as a red flag.

If you plan to gift an animal for Christmas, it’s best to have an open discussion with the receiver about the commitment that comes with caring for an animal. Jeff Dorson with the Louisiana Humane Society…

Cut 4 (08) “…everything in.”

Dorson suggests fostering a pet from a shelter or offering to pay for the adoption fee and let the recipient choose their pet at a shelter instead.

LSU offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock is heading back to Notre Dame to be the offensive coordinator for the Fighting Irish. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (31)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

Sources say LSU offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock is leaving after two seasons in Baton Rouge to return to Notre Dame to be the offensive coordinator for the Fighting Irish. Tiger Rag Assistant Editor William Weathers says Denbrock is from the Midwest and that could be a reason why he’s going back to South Bend…

Cut 12 (09)  “.. his career”  

This will be Denbrock’s third stint as an assistant coach at Notre Dame.

Tis the season for scams and Better Business Bureau President Carmen Million urges Louisianans to take precautions when shopping and donating this holiday season. If you receive an email or text asking you to buy a gift card to pay for an item, she says don’t make the purchase.

Cut 9 (13) “…gift card.” 

She says they receive reports daily of people paying for items they never receive.

Before you give someone a pet for Christmas, animal advocates urge you to make sure the recipient is agreeable and understands the commitment.  Jeff Dorson with the Louisiana Humane Society says in a few weeks sadly they see many of these gifts dumped at shelters…

Cut 3 (11) “…good idea.”

Another gift idea would be to make a donation to the Louisiana Humane Society or offer to pay for the adoption fee at a shelter.

We will not have a white Christmas in Louisiana, but we will have a wet Christmas eve. LRN meteorologist Bill Jacquemin says most of the state will see one to two inches of rain on Sunday, but south of I-10 and I-12 could see two to three inches of rain.

Cut 7 (10) “…Christmas eve night” 

And due to the weather Bonfires on the Levee has been moved to Saturday night instead of Christmas Eve.

We will not have a white Christmas in Louisiana, but we will have a wet Christmas Eve. LRN meteorologist Bill Jacquemin says heavy rainfall is expected Sunday ahead of a cold front…

Cut 6 (12) “…at times”

Jacquemin says most of the state will see one to two inches of rain on Sunday, but south of I-10 and I-12 could see two to three inches of rain.

And with the rain in the forecast, Festival of the Bonfires organizers made the difficult decision to reschedule the event to Saturday night. St. James Parish President Pete Dufresne understands the change is still inconvenient when so many have already made plans in advance.

Cut 5 (12) “…enjoy it.”

The bonfires will be lit at 7 pm.

Children’s Hospital New Orleans is raffling off tickets to Swifties who want to experience The Eras Tour at the Superdome in “Style.” Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

Shaquille O’Neal’s Big Chicken franchise is spreading its wings to Lake Charles and Lafayette. The basketball Hall of Famer’s Big Flavor, Big Food, Big Fun – Big Chicken’s first eatery in Louisiana is located inside The Queen Baton Rouge Casino. A timetable for the southwest Louisiana locations was not given.

For the first time in years, Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve will not host a live segment in New Orleans. Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says since the Office of Culture, Recreation, and Tourism gave up the project to New Orleans Mayor Latoya Cantrell, the New Orleans segment has been poor, even humiliating…

Cut 13 (08) “my opinion.”

Nungesser says, that after two years of poor showings with Cantrell’s people, he learned the show opted out of the Crescent City…

Children’s Hospital New Orleans is raffling off 28 suite tickets to the Taylor Swift Eras Tour stop in New Orleans next year.  The funds will help build a new Pediatric Stem Cell Transplant Unit. Director of Stem Cell Transplant Ben Watkins…

Cut 12 (12) “…there too.” 

The concert will be at the Ceasar’s Superdome on October 26.  Tickets can be purchased at chnola.org/taylor.

The Festival of the Bonfires which normally takes place on Christmas Eve in St. James Parish has been moved to a new date due to inclement weather forecast. The event is now scheduled for Saturday. St. James Parish President Pete Dufresne ….

Cut 4 (09) “…that day.”

Fortunately, the change falls on the weekend but Dufresne understands the change is still inconvenient when so many have already made plans in advance.

Friday begins the start of a very busy travel holiday season. Nationwide, more than 115 million people will pack roadways and airports. AAA Analyst Don Redman says a record seven-point-five million are expected to travel by air, so give yourself a little extra time if you are heading to the airport

Cut 9 (12)  “…about winter.”

The Saints playoff chances took a major hit last night as New Orleans lost to the Los Angeles Rams 30-22. The loss drops the Black and Gold’s record to seven and eight and according to ESPN Analytics, the Saints have a 24-percent chance to make the playoffs. Coach Dennis Allen…
cut 20 (11) “…play Tampa”
Tampa Bay leads the Saints by a half game for first place in the NFC South with two games left.

AAA estimates 115 million Americans will travel over the Christmas and the New Year’s holiday, the second highest year-end holiday travel forecast since they began tracking in 2000. AAA spokesperson Don Redman says the number of people who will travel by car for the holidays is up two percent over last year…
cut 8 (11) “….the road”

Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin Eve will not have a presence in New Orleans on New Year’s eve for the first time in five years. Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser is pointing the blame at New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell’s office, who was in charge of working with Dick Clark’s producers the last two years…
cut 14 (08) “…of tourism”
New Orleans and Company President Walt Leger says the show was looking for a financial subsidy and they decided against paying the subsidy this year.

The annual bonfires on the Mississippi River levee in St. James and John parishes has been moved up to Saturday because of the likelihood of inclement weather on Sunday, Christmas Eve night. St. James Parish President Pete Dufrense says its the safest thing to do…
cut 6 (11) “….good so”
The bonfires will be lit at 7 PM.

Roads and airports will be busy leading up to Christmas Day. Teiko Foxx reports AAA is estimating 115-million Americans will travel during the Christmas and New Year’s Holiday…
cut 2 (31) “>….I’m Teiko Foxx”

The Saints were an eight point loser last night falling to the Los Angeles Rams 30-22. New Orleans defense struggled, the Saints offense could not run the ball and they were 0-for-3 on fourth down. New Orleans is 7-8 and trail Tampa Bay by a half game for first place in the NFC South. Two more games left in the season.

Children’s Hospital New Orleans is raffling off suite tickets for Taylor Swift’s October 26th show at the Superdome to help fund a new Pediatric Stem Cell Transplant Unit. Director of Stem Cell Transplant and Cellular Therapies Ben Watkins…
cut 10 (13) “…socialize”
It’s 200-dollars per raffle ticket and they can be purchased at chnola.org/taylor and seven winners will be chosen in March.

Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin Eve will not have a presence in New Orleans on New Year’s Eve for the first time in five years. Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says his office used to sponsor the event, but New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell’s office took it over three years ago and he says it has not been the same since..
cut 15 (10) “…doing that”

Today is the start of a very busy holiday travel period as Triple-A estimates 115 million will travel during the Christmas and New Year’s holidays…
cut 7 (10) “…New Year’s”
That’s AAA spokesperson Don Redman.

The annual Bonfires along the Mississippi River in St. James and St John Parishes have been moved up to Saturday, because of the threat inclement weather on Christmas Eve…
cut 1 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington”

Tickets to see Taylor Swift when she performs in New Orleans next October is on that Christmas wish list for many. Well, Children’s Hospital New Orleans is raffling off 28 suite tickets for her October 26th show int he Caesars Superdome. Director of Stem C3ell Transplant and Cellular Therapies Ben Watkins says they’ll pick seven winners, who will receive four tickets each…
cut 11 (07) “>….Taylor Swift”
Al proceeds will benefit the hospitals Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders. The raffle is live at cchnola.org/taylor and the winners will be notified on March 23rd.

The Saints were losers last night as they fell to the Los Angeles Rams 30-22. Coach Dennis Allen’s team failed to capitalize on some scoring opportunities in the first half…
cut 29 (12) “…Tampa Bay”
New Orleans is 7-8 and will need to win their final two games for a chance at the playoffs.

Because the rain has extinguished bonfires for “Christmas Eve” the River Parishes are going to get lit on Saturday instead. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

_______________________________________________

According to AAA, 115 million people are expected to travel for the holidays this year. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 2 (31)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

______________________________________________

Children’s Hospital New Orleans is raffling off tickets to hopeful Taylor Swift fans who want to catch The Eras Tour at the Ceasar’s Superdome in New Orleans. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

_________________________________________________

With the heavy rainfall and windy conditions forecasted for Christmas Eve, Festival of the Bonfires organizers made the difficult decision to reschedule the event to Saturday. St. James Parish President Pete Dufresne says with the rain and south winds….

Cut 4 (09) “…that day.”

Fortunately, the change falls on the weekend but Dufresne understands the change is still inconvenient when so many have already made plans in advance.

Cut 5 (12) “…enjoy it.”

So instead of lighting the way for Papa Noel on Christmas Eve, Santa will get directions this year one night earlier on Saturday at 7 pm. Dufresne says it’s the safest thing to do for everyone involved…

Cut 6 (11) “…good so.”

Traffic in the area will still follow a contraflow pattern around the bonfire viewing area.

______________________________________________

Friday begins the start of a very busy travel holiday season. Nationwide, AAA Analyst Don Redman says more than 115 million people will pack roadways and airports.

Cut 7 (10) “…New Year’s.”

Redman says the number of people who will travel by car for the holidays is up two percent over last year.

Cut 8 (11) “…the road.” 

The statewide average for a gallon of regular gasoline is around $2.70 just a few cents cheaper than a year ago.

Redman says a record seven-point-five million are expected to travel by air, so give yourself a little extra time if you are heading to the airport

Cut 9 (12)  “…about winter.”

_____________________________________________

Taylor Swift fans who were waitlisted have another chance to score a golden ticket to the upcoming Eras Tour performance. Children’s Hospital New Orleans is raffling tickets to help fund a new Pediatric Stem Cell Transplant Unit. Director of Stem Cell Transplant and Cellular Therapies Ben Watkins…

Cut 10 (13) “…and socialize.”

The hospital is raffling off 28 suite tickets to see Swift at the Ceasar’s Superdome on October 26. Watkins says there’s going to be seven winners of four tickets for Swifties to win.

Cut 11 (07) “…Taylor Swift.” 

The hospital provides advanced treatments for children with leukemia, lymphoma, sickle cell, and other childhood cancers and blood disorders.

Watkins says this year’s raffle is part of the hospital’s annual Sugarplum Ball to raise money for its Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders.  He says winners will be drawn the morning of March 23^rd and notified the same day.

Cut 12 (12) “…there too.” 

Tickets can be purchased at chnola.org/taylor.

_____________________________________________

Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve is skipping New Orleans this year and Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says it’s a lost opportunity to promote state tourism. Since his Office of Culture, Recreation, and Tourism gave up the project to New Orleans Mayor Latoya Cantrell, he says the New Orleans segment has been poor, even humiliating…

Cut 13 (08) “my opinion.”

Nungesser says Cantrell’s people took over after they barred Lauren Daigle from the city in 2020 and she pressured show producers to block the Christian singer from the show. Nungesser says, after two years of poor showings with Cantrell’s people, he learned the show opted out of the Crescent City…

Cut 14 (08) “…of tourism” 

Nungesser says when his office oversaw the New Orleans segment of the show, they highlighted the whole state, provided entertainment for Sugar Bowl fans, and made sure the return on investment was good for the state. He believes it was a great opportunity and would be willing to participate again…

Cut 15 (10) “…doing that”

______________________________________________________

After mostly watching during his first three seasons at LSU, quarterback Garrett Nussmeier finally gets a chance to start when the Tigers face Wisconsin in the ReliaQuest Bowl on January 1st in Tampa Bay. 2020 was the last time Nussmeier started a football game and that was at Marcus High School in Flower Mound, Texas…

 Cut 16 (14) “…focused on”

Nussmeier has appeared in 17 games during his LSU career. He played the second half of the 2022 SEC Championship game because of an injury to Jayden Daniels. He played nearly the entire game as a freshman in 2021 in a loss to Arkansas. Nussmeier says he’s a more mature player now and gives a lot of credit to quarterbacks coach Joe Sloan…

Cut 17 (21) “….in this offense” 

During his LSU career, Nussmeier has thrown 174 passes, completing 56% for 1,325 yards, eight touchdowns, and six interceptions. He’s been known as a gunslinger, but Nussmeier says he’s a smart gunslinger. The six-foot-two, 205-pounder also says he can make plays with his legs.

During the offseason, he’ll battle with Vanderbilt transfer AJ Swann for starting quarterback in 2024. Nussmeier says he doesn’t feel pressure to make a statement on New Year’s Day..

Cut 18 (17)  “…I’m excited” 

________________________________________________________

Cut 19 (19) “…accustomed to winning.” 

Cut 20 (09) “…finding the football”

Governor-elect Jeff Landry has appointed 26-year-old Madison Sheahan from Ohio as the new Secretary of State Wildlife. La-politics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford says her role will be to reform the department and provide leadership, while her staff and the Louisiana Wildlife Commission can focus on regulations…

Cut 8 (12) “…this is one of those jobs” 

$45 million has been awarded to Livingston Parish to build a disaster response rescue center. Sheriff Jason Ard says he got the idea for a shelter when Hurricane Gustav struck. At the time they were able to use a newly constructed detention center that had 700 beds and no inmates yet. It’s where the first responders stayed.

Cut 10 (11) “…this parish.”

If you’re dreaming of a soggy Christmas, it looks like you’ll get your wish. LRN meteorologist Bill Jacquemin says rain is expected and while rain during a holiday weekend is never fun, it is needed…

Cut 15 (10) “…some time.”

There’s the potential for one to three inches of rain this weekend.

With the heavy rainfall and windy conditions forecasted for Christmas Eve, Festival of the Bonfire organizers made the difficult decision to reschedule the event to Saturday. St. James Parish President James Pete Dufresne says the rain and south winds….

Cut 4 (10) “…that day.”

Fortunately, the change falls on the weekend but Dufresne understands the change is still inconvenient when so many have already made plans in advance.

Governor-elect Jeff Landry has appointed Madison Sheahan as the new Secretary for the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.
cut 11 (06) “…hunter and fishermen”
The 26-year-old old from Ohio and has spent the last three years working with South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem. La-politics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford says Landry may have felt the need to bring in an outsider because former LDWF Secretary Jack Montoucet has been implicated in a bribery scandal
cut 6 (09) “…and trust”
Montoucet resigned abruptly last April. A former contract worker in the Lafayette District Attorney’s office has pleaded guilty for his role in a scheme involving LDWF that allowed people facing felony and misdemeanor charges to pay money in order to avoid participating in a pre-trial diversion program. Montoucet has not been indicted.

State Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain says you need to start thawing that Christmas turkey, it takes about 24 hours for every four to five pounds to defrost. Strain says never thaw one in the sink or on the kitchen counter, place it in the fridge instead.

Cut 4 (13) “…the refrigerator.”

A Christmas weekend storm system could produce heavy rainfall on Sunday….Christmas eve. LRN meteorologist Bill Jacquemin says rain is expected to develop tomorrow afternoon and evening….

Cut  14 (14) “…on Sunday night”

And because of the rain, bonfires on the levee have been moved to Saturday night instead of Christmas Eve.