LSU offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock is leaving the Tigers and returning to Notre Dame. Tiger Rag Assistant Editor William Weathers says Denbrock helped develop quarterback Jayden Daniels into a Heisman Trophy winner and guided an offense that leads the nation in scoring and total offense…

Cut 13 (13) “…to gold” 

While it’s the season of giving it’s also the season of scams. Carmen Million with the Better Business Bureau reminds you to be mindful of schemes trying to swipe your cash or steal your personal information.

Cut 11 (12) “…is accurate.”

Before you give the gift of a pet for Christmas, Jeff Dorson with the Humane Society of Louisiana says make sure the recipient is agreeable and understands the long-term commitment…

Cut 5 (11) “ …do it.”  

Sadly, he says many animals that were Christmas gifts are dumped at shelters when people go back to work after the holidays.

The one to three inches of rain in the forecast for Christmas Eve has forced Bonfires on the Levee to be lit Saturday night instead of Sunday. But LRN meteorologist Bill Jacquemin says the rain will be gone on Christmas Day…

Cut 8 (12) “…near 70″ 

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.

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.”

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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.”

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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.”

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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.

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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.”

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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.

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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”

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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” 

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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’s pick as the next Secretary for the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries has no ties to Louisiana. Jeff Palermo on why Landry may have selected 26-year-old Madison Sheahan from Ohio…

Cut 1 (30)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

Due to expected inclement weather on Christmas Eve, bonfires on the levee have been moved to Saturday night. With a 90-percent chance of rain and windy weather also expected the decision was made this morning to move it up a day.  The southeast Louisiana tradition of lighting the way for Papa Noel dates back to the 1700s.

Livingston Parish has received $45 million to build a disaster response rescue center. Sheriff Jason Ard says after the 2016 floods and other natural disasters they know how important it is to not only have a place to house those who are displaced…

Cut 9 (12) “…vehicles.” 

The Livingston Parish Emergency Response and Evacuation Center will be located south of Livingston on LA 63 south of I-12.

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.”

New census data shows another yearly decline in the state’s population as the state lost about 14 thousand residents from 2022 to 2023. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

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Enjoying the season with family and friends can be wonderful, and stressful. Colleen Crain takes a look at holiday stress…

Cut 2 (31)  “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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Governor-elect Jeff Landry names 26-year-old Ohio native, Madison Sheehan, as Secretary of State Wildlife. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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New Census Bureau estimates show a decline of 14 thousand Louisiana residents from 2022 to 2023. A third straight year the state’s population has dropped since the 2020 census. Demographer Greg Rigamer says it’s not a good sign and a reflection of the state’s economy.

Cut 4 (10) “…United States.”

The state had a total population drop of more than 84 thousand residents in the last three years. Only New York has a higher percentage decline.

Rigamer believes people leave the Bayou State for more viable opportunities in employment and education.

Cut 5 (12) “…public schools.”

The state has also seen drastic drops in the past three years due to a high death rate during the pandemic. Nearly 57 thousand people died in the first two years of the pandemic.

Rigamer says Governor-Elect Landry’s administration will have to turn around the state’s economy to be more competitive.

Cut 6 (12) “…industrial investment.”

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The Holidays can be a wonderful time for family and friends, but it can also be stressful. Dr. Michelle Moore with LSU Health says anyone can experience stress, but some are at higher risk…

Cut 7 (10) “…or loss.”

Moore advises taking time to pause and pay attention to how you are feeling and if necessary, walk away for a bit when you feel yourself becoming stressed.

During the busy season, Moore says it’s a good idea to schedule times during the day to check in with yourself and notice how you’re feeling emotionally and physically. Avoid unhealthy coping actions like overeating, drinking more alcohol, and watching more television or social media.  Instead, before you become frustrated, Moore recommends…

Cut 8 (09) “…deep breath.” 

Being mindful and managing expectations are important during this time of year when finances may be tight and there’s pressure to attend many events. For these stressors, Moore recommends…

Cut 9 (09)  “…with you.”

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Governor-elect Jeff Landry has named 26-year-old Madison Sheehan to serve as Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. Sheehan most recently served as director of South Dakota’s Republican Party.

Cut 10 (11) “…women’s sports.”

Landry says while former governors have appointed good friends or even past lawmakers to the position, he chose the Ohio State grad and former rowing team member for her leadership skills.

Cut 11 (06) “…and fisherman.” 

Landry believes Sheehan and her team will elevate the LDWF and attract even more out-of-state hunters and fishermen to the “Sportsman Paradise…”

Cut 12 (10) “…doing that (clapping).” 

During his announcement, Landry claimed Sheehan would be the first female to oversee the agency however from 1988 to 1990 Dr. Virginia R. Van Sickle-Burkett helmed the agency and during Governor Kathleen Blanco’s administration, Janice Lansing held an interim post at the agency.

Stephen Clark, a former game warden with LDWF, who also worked for the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service will serve as Assistant Secretary of State Wildlife.

On Wednesday Landry also named former Congressman and physician Ralph Abraham as Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Health and retried Caddo Parish Juvenile judge David Matlock as Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Children & Family Services.

_____________________________________________

LSU’s 2024 recruiting class has Louisiana flavor as 20 of the 27 players who signed with the Tigers on Wednesday have Louisiana roots, 16 of them were born in the Bayou State. Denham Springs safety Dashawn McBryde is considered one of the top safeties in the country and Coach Brian Kelly is excited about him…

Cut 13 (13) “great young man.”

LSU has also signed the most productive high school quarterback in Louisiana prep history. JuJuan Johnson set state records for total yards and total touchdowns as a four-year starter for Lafayette Chrisitan. But is slated to play cornerback for the Tigers. But Kelly seems open to seeing what he could do on offense…

Cut 14 (09) “…this position” 

LSU signed six defensive backs. The Tigers also signed five offensive linemen. Weston Davis, Ethan Calloway, Ory Williams, Khayree Lee, and Joseph Cryer from Natchitoches Central. Davis and Williams are also excellent basketball players. Kelly says not only are they big linemen, but linemen that can move…

Cut 15 (15) “…football IQ”

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The Saints will travel to LA tonight to face the Rams. The Saints and Rams are 2 of 5 teams in the NFC tied at 7-and-7 fighting for a playoff spot. In a season with many ups and downs for quarterback Derek Carr and the offense, he says they’re finding their groove at the right time…

 Cut 16 (15) “…a lot of fun.”

One of the biggest obstacles the offense will face comes in the form of 3-time Defensive Player of the Year Aaron Donald. Guard Cesar Ruiz and the offensive line held the Giants to just one sack and two QB hits Sunday, but they’ll have a tough test to prepare for on a short week…

Cut 17 (11) “….well too” 

After starting the season as one of the most dominant in the NFL, the Saints defense has struggled at times this season but has shut down poor offenses in back-to-back weeks. Defensive End Cameron Jordan says the Rams will be a bigger challenge but one they can handle…

Cut 18 (18)  “…create some problems.” 

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Louisiana Tech signed 15 players on the first day of the early signing period, including the nation’s top junior college quarterback, Ty Keyes. Keyes threw for 3,350 yards and 33 touchdowns in 2023. Bulldogs Coach Sonny Cumbie says Keyes has a big-time arm and can extend plays with his legs…

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

Tech also signed a local hero, linebacker Jadon Mayfield. Mayfield just helped Ruston win its first state championship in football since 1990. Cumbie says Mayfield had 235 tackles, 10,5 sacks, three fumble recovers, and two interceptions during his junior and senior seasons with the Bearcats…

Cut 20 (09) “…finding the football”

An eight-person federal jury dismisses a lawsuit filed by former LSU Assistant Athletic Director Sharon Lewis, claiming she was sexually harassed and wrongly terminated. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (31)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.” 

Governor-elect Jeff Landry has appointed former north Louisiana Congressman and physician Ralph Abraham as the next Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Health.

Cut 3 (05) “…great service.”

Abraham served three terms in DC representing the state’s 5^th congressional district.

The Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services’ is encouraging Louisianans to “Be There” for families in need this holiday season with their new campaign. Secretary Terri Ricks says there were more than 11 hundred unmet needs due to a lack of available resources. She says if you know anyone who needs resources like food, housing, utility assistance, or clothing…

Cut 11 (13) “…need some.”

Visit BeThere-dot LA-dot-gov to learn more about programs and resources.

And the new appeal policy that allows high school seniors who’ve shown they have sufficient knowledge to graduate but struggled to pass the state’s graduation exam is now in effect.  Outgoing BESE President Holly Boffy lobbied for the appeal process even though it met opposition from Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley and Governor-elect Jeff Landry. Louisiana is one of eight states that require passage of the graduation exam but is the only state without an appeal process.

Governor-elect Jeff Landry announces the appointments of those who will head the Louisiana Department of Health, State Wildlife, and the Department of Children and Family Services. Former north Louisiana Congressman and physician Ralph Abraham will be the next Secretary of Health at LDH. Madison Sheehan, who most recently helmed the Republican Party in South Dakota will be the first female to oversee State Wildlife and Retired Caddo Parish Juvenile Court Judge David Matlock will be the next Secretary of DCFS.

If you know someone in your community who needs a little extra help, the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services encourages you to support this holiday season as part of their “Be There” initiative. Secretary Terri Ricks urges Louisianans to provide help or open their homes to youth who have no place to go.

Cut 10 (08) “…special ways.”

Visit BeThere dot Louisiana dot gov to learn more about programs and resources.

Former LSU Assistant Athletic Director Sharon Lewis’s wrongful termination lawsuit against the university is close to wrapping up as jury deliberations are underway. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (33)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.” 

Jury deliberations are underway in Sharon Lewis’s 50-million dollar federal lawsuit against LSU. Lewis, who oversaw LSU’s football recruiting department, claims she was wrongfully terminated and retaliated against for reporting sexual misconduct complaints allegedly performed by former head coach Les Miles and current running backs coach Frank Wilson. Tiger Rag Editor Todd Horne says executive deputy athletic director Verge Ausberry was one of the last witnesses to take the stand…

Cut 6 (04) “…was racist.”

Horne says Ausberry testified that Lewis had trouble when white people told her no or disagreed with her. Lewis was one of 40 workers in the football department let go when Brian Kelly was hired in December 2021.

Three people were killed in a crash in Ascension Parish last night. Chief James LeBlanc with the St. Amant Volunteer Fire Department says it happened around midnight.  The three adults killed were all in the same vehicle. State Police are overseeing the investigation.

Governor-elect Jeff Landry appoints former congressman Ralph Abraham Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Health. Because LDH is predominantly federally funded ULM political science professor Dr. Pearson Cross says it’s a plus that Dr. Abraham already understands the allocation and appropriation process.

Cut 5 (10) “…quite important.”

The Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services’ new campaign is encouraging Louisianans to “Be There” for families in need this holiday season. Secretary Terri Ricks says even a small deed can make a huge impact on a child or family in your community.

Cut 9 (11) “…every day.”