2023 has been a banner year for Louisiana Economic Development. Secretary Don Pierson says more than $25 billion of new investments was announced in the Bayou State this year…

Cut 7 (09) “…rising wages.”

A recent study by USDA shows hunger in the Bayou State is surging due to federal aid cuts of the expanded child tax credit and free school meals. More than 727 thousand Louisianans struggle with hunger. Hunger Free America CEO, Joel Berg says the participation rates of federally funded programs like SNAP and WIC have also decreased.

Cut 13 (13) “…getting it.”
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Governor-elect Jeff Landry has appointed retired Caddo Juvenile Court Judge David Matlock to be Secretary of the Department of Children and Family Services. Landry says the 68-year-old Shreveport native is the right person to help children in the state.

Cut 4 (10) “…successful lives.”

The LSU Tigers are in Tampa, getting ready to face the Wisconsin Badgers in the Reliaquest Bowl on January 1st. Garrett Nussmeier will make his first collegiate start at quarterback as Jayden Daniels has opted out. Offensive tackle Emery Jones says they expect Nussmeier to hang in the pocket a little longer than Daniels…

Cut 17 (14) “…handle it.” 

New Orleans is already filling up with college football fans as Texas is set to take on Washington in a College Football Playoff semifinal at the Sugar Bowl. Next year the college football playoff will expand to 12 teams and for the first two years, the Sugar Bowl will be a quarterfinal game. But Sugar Bowl CEO Jeff Hundley says they’re working hard to land a final four match-up or national title game…

Cut  14 (14) “…we’re at.” 
The Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality has a few tips for cleaning up after Christmas. LDEQ spokesperson Greg Langley reminding us to recycle all that paper and cardboard…and don’t forget to visit the the Rechargable Battery Recycling Corporation’s website so you can drop off your batteries tool.

Cut 10 (11) “…the environment.”

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Have you started year end tax planning? Getting organized now can help you make the most of tax benefits and minimize tax liability. Teiko Foxx has more

Cut 1 (32)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

Good news for Shreveport as Multipack Services is investing 10.4 million dollars into a new bringing a new production facility there. Louisiana Economic Development officials estimate the project will add 228 new indirect jobs for a total of 69 potential new jobs in Northwest Louisiana.

If you’re spending the day cleaning up after opening presents, Brooke Thorington has a few tips from the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality.

Cut 2 (31)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 
Instead of dumping your real Christmas tree at a landfill, you can take them to one of several BREC park to be recycled. BREC is hosting Christmas tree recycling event begins today. You can drop off your live tree but they cannot be flocked trees, they must be free of all stands and decorations, and be sure to drop them in the area designated by signs.

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Tax Day is months away, but it’s never to0 early to start preparing. \If you made money in the stock market this year, experts say you might consider trimming your portfolio before the end of the year to save on taxes. Gina Rachel is a partner with EAG Gulf Coast CPA firm in Metairie and says individuals can help themselves and deserving charities at the same time.

Cut 4 (12) “…that donation.”

A leading beverage manufacturing, packaging, and distribution company is investing $10.4 million in a new production facility in Caddo Parish. Secretary of Louisiana Economic Development Don Pierson says Multipack Services chose Shreveport for its location.

Cut 7 (09) “…of products” 

Tax Day may be months away, but there are ways you can prepare before then to cut your tax bill. Gina Rachel is a partner with EAG Gulf Coast CPA firm in Metairie. She recommends business owners pay bills now so they can take those deductions for this year.

Cut 3 (12) “…that liability.”
If you’re spending the day cleaning up after opening presents, the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality has a few tips. LDEQ spokesperson Greg Langley reminds you to recycle packing materials like cardboard. But when it comes to foam peanuts…

Cut 9 (08) “…recycling agency.” 

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A leading beverage manufacturing, packaging, and distribution company is investing $10.4 million in a new production facility in Caddo Parish. Secretary of Louisiana Economic Development Don Pierson says Multipack Services has chosen Shreveport for their newest facility.

Cut 6 (10) “…beyond that.”

As this week rolls on, New Orleans will begin to fill up with college football fans as Texas is set to take on Washington in a College Football Playoff semifinal game. The matchup is this year’s Sugar Bowl contest and Bowl CEO Jeff Hundley says there’s a lot of excitement surrounding this game…

Cut 12 (10)  “…great football game.”  

Your Christmas Forecast is a mixed bag from Santa… LRN Meteorologist Bill Jacquemin says Christmas Eve will be a wet one for most of Louisiana and though the rain will be gone by Monday, if you were hoping for a cold Christmas, well…
Cut 8 (12) “…near 70″ 

LSU offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock is headed back to Notre Dame where he’ll take over as offensive coordinator there. Denbrock was a finalist this past season for the Broyles Award, which goes to the nation’s top assistant coach. Weathers says not only is Denbrock an excellent playcaller, he can also recruit…

Cut  14 (11) “..play out”
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While the gift of a puppy might seem like the “Best Christmas Ever”, animal advocates want to remind you the commitment goes well beyond the holidays. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (30)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”
And don’t forget, Louisiana’s Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign is underway now through January first. Additional law enforcement will be on the roadways looking for impaired drivers. So if you plan to drink at a holiday gathering, remember to designate a driver or have a ride share app at your fingertips to get home safely.

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” 

Tis the season for scams and the Better Business Bureau is urging us all to be on guard. Don’t get tricked into buying and shipping gifts or money to strangers on social media. BBB President Carmen Million says we should always be on the lookout to spot schemes that aim to steal your cash, personal information or both.

Cut 11 (12) “…is accurate.”

For more information on holiday scams, visit BBB.org/AvoidScams.

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You may not be dreaming of a wet Christmas Eve, but most of Louisiana will be getting one. That’s according to LRN Meteorologist Bill Jacquemin. But there is some good news. Jacquemin says the rain will be gone on Christmas Day…
Cut 8 (12) “…near 70″ 

If you plan to give an animal for Christmas, it’s best to make sure the recipient is ready and prepared for 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.

It’s a busy time of year for all of us, especially scammers! The Better Business Bureau’s 2022 online scams report found that online purchase scams were the most common cons reported to Scam Tracker. BBB President Carmen Million says the agency receives tons of reports every day from victims urged to take immediate action due to suspicious activity.

Cut 10 (11) “…for it.”
The thought of a puppy or kitten for Christmas seems like a dream. But the reality is, it’s a decision that should not be made lightly. Jeff Dorson with the Louisiana Humane Society says before you put a pet under the tree Dorson says remember the long-term commitment associated with a pet…

Cut 5 (11) “ …do it.”  

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

Cut 2 (31)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

An “American Idol” contender turned French Quarter performer, was arrested and booked on this week on a single count of domestic abuse battery. Nola,com reports 24-year-old Tyrell Maurice Jenkins’ appeared in Court yesterday afternoon. The alleged victim saying she did not want a protective order. Bond was set at 15-hundred dollars.

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 Christmas Day should be dry.

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 they see many of these gifts dumped at shelters…

Cut 3 (11) “…good idea.”

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

Cut 9 (13) “…gift card.” 

LSU offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock is leaving the Tigers so he can 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”  

Louisiana’s population is on the decline. New Census Bureau estimates show Louisiana had an 84-thousand resident drop in the last three years alone. Experts say many leave the Bayou State for better job and school opportunities elsewhere. Demographer Greg Rigamer says Governor-Elect Jeff Landry’s administration will have to turn around the state’s economy to be more competitive.

Cut 6 (12) “…industrial investment.”
If the stress of the holidays is getting to you, there are ways you can fix that by investing in yourself. Dr. Michelle Moore with LSU Health says 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, she recommends…

Cut 9 (09)  “…with you.”

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LSU’s 2024 recruiting class has Louisiana flavor as 27 of the players who’ve signed with the Tigers so far have Louisiana roots, 16 of them were born in the Bayou State. One of them is 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. He’s slated to play cornerback for the Tigers. But Coach Brian Kelly seems open to seeing what he could do on offense…

Cut 14 (09) “…this position” 

Louisiana Tech signed 15 players on the first day of the early signing period, including local hero- linebacker Jadon Mayfield. Mayfield just helped Ruston win its first state championship in football since 1990. Bulldogs Coach Sonny Cumbie says Mayfield’s defensige numbers are amazing and…
Cut 20 (09) “…finding the football”

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.”
Governor-elect Jeff Landry has named 26-year-old Madison Sheehan to serve as Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. The governor saying she and her team will elevate the LDWF and attract even more out-of-state sportsmen to our “Sportsmans Paradise…”

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

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We’re get deeper into the holiday season, and for many that means the stress levels go up too. Experts recommend being mindful of how you’re feeling, both emotionally and physically.   Dr. Michelle Moore with LSU Health says to avoid unhealthy coping actions like overeating, drinking, or watching more t-v. Instead, before you become frustrated, Moore recommends…

Cut 8 (09) “…deep breath.” 

The Saints travel to LA tonight to face the Rams in Monday Night football. 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.”