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

For the third straight year, Louisiana’s population has dropped. New Census Bureau estimates show a decline of 14 thousand Louisiana residents from 2022 to 2023. Demographer Greg Rigamer believes people leave the Bayou State for more viable opportunities in employment and education.

Cut 5 (12) “…public schools.”

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.”
The Saints are in Los Angeles on a short week…as they are set to face the Rams in Thursday Night Football. The Saints and Rams are 2 of 5 teams in the NFC tied at 7-and-7 fighting for a playoff spot. Kick off is at 7:15 Central time.

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.”

Louisiana has seen a total population loss of 84 thousand residents in the last three years alone.
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.”
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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.”

The Harvey Tunnel will be closed for two years as it undergoes a 53-million-dollar revamp. The tunnel, which up till recently has allowed 15-thousand vehicles a day to pass under the Harvey Canal was built in 19-57. DOTD officials say the project is being funded by the state and federal governments and toll funds left over from the Crescent City Connection.

Governor-elect Jeff Landry is anticipated to announce the appointment of former Congressman and physician Ralph Abraham as the next Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Health today. As you’ll recall, the pandemic placed even more scrutiny on that department and Cross says whoever is appointed Secretary will have a large responsibility.

Cut 6 (09) “…to vaccines.”
You better watch out…for holiday scams that is. The Better Business Report’s online scams report found online purchase scams were the most common last holiday season. But the ever-present fake texts claiming you’ve been hacked are also on the naughty list.  If you get one, Carmen Million with the BBB says don’t respond.

Cut 11 (12) “…for it.” 

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The three-day early signing period for college football recruits begins today and LSU’s 2024 class will feature some standout players from the Bayou State. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

Mosquitoes are back with a vengeance in much of Louisiana. Experts say the late season explosion of mosquitoes is unusual….but say the drought we saw earlier this year simply delayed mosquito activity until now. Unless we see more cold weather, experts say the mosquitos will be around for the next couple of weeks.

Governor John Bel Edwards is leaving office after two terms. He spoke to the media about his accomplishments. Colleen Crain has more…

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

The Better Business Bureau wants you to be aware of scams this holiday season and watch out when it comes to shipping gifts or money to strangers on social media and never make payments by wire transfer, or by prepaid gift card because…

Cut 12 (07) “…trace them.” 

The three-day early signing period for college football begins today. LSU’s recruiting class features eight of the ten best players from the state of Louisiana according to on3.com. Recruiting analyst for the Bengal Tiger, Shea Dixon, says Lafayette Christian quarterback JuJuan Johnson is set to transition from quarterback to cornerback…(Cut  17 only 9 seconds…outcue need him)

Cut 17 (24) “….from the start” 
Former congressman Ralph Abraham is expected to be names the new Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Health today by Governor Elect Jeff Landry. With the majority of LDH’s budget funded by federal dollars, 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.”

It’s anticipated that Governor-elect Jeff Landry will announce the appointment of former Congressman and physician Ralph Abraham to be the next Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Health today. ULM political science professor Dr. Pearson Cross….

Cut 4 (11) “…that position.”
After serving two terms, Governor John Bel Edwards is leaving office next month. He spoke to the media about his accomplishments and says he’s leaving the state in better shape than he found it…

Cut 7 (11) “…a balanced budget.”
Edwards says Medicaid expansion was an easy decision for him and he is proud that no rural hospitals closed during his time in office.
Extreme heat and drought conditions this year have wreaked havoc on Louisiana Cattle and hay producers. They’ve taken a combined 360 million dollar hit this year. Herd numbers in Louisiana are at their lowest since the 1960s and cattle producer Mitch Marsalis says hay production was way down. He says disaster payments helped provide more relief…

Cut 14 (04) “…these calves.” 

Angel Reese will have the opportunity to play in her hometown tonight as the seventh-ranked Lady Tigers visit Coppin State in Baltimore. Reese, who played her two years of college baseball at Maryland University, is looking forward to the homecoming…

Cut 19 (19) “…big thing.” 

After serving two terms, Governor John Bel Edwards is leaving office next month. He spoke to the media about the accomplishments he’s most proud of…among them growing funding for higher education by 465 million dollars a year.

Cut 8 (11) “…when I did.” 

Meanwhile, Governor-elect Jeff Landry is expected to name former Congressman Ralph Abraham the next Secretary at LDH. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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The holidays are a favorite time for scammers. That’s according the The Better Business Bureau so beware. Carmen Million with the B-B-B says watch out for scams trying to steal your personal information or money through social media ads.

Cut 10 (12) “…social media.”
2023 was a tough year for Louisiana cattle and hay producers because of extreme heat and drought conditions. According to an LSU Ag Center report, these two agriculture entities lost more than 360 million dollars this year, and LSU AgCenter Area Beef Specialist Ashley Edwards says the hot temperatures also stressed cattle and led to much lower weights when they went to sale barns…

Cut 13 (08) “being sold.”

LSU Heisman-winning quarterback Jayden Daniels announces he’s not playing in the bowl game, but the Tigers’ two-star receivers, Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas Junior will play in the ReliaQuest Bowl in Tampa on January 1st. Coach Brian Kelly says no one else has decided to opt out…

Cut 19 (18) “…we are.” 

Jayden Daniels has been busy though…yesterday helping Raising Cane’s founder Todd Graves give out 100 bikes in Baton Rouge.  Canes also donated a $25,000 check to the Greg Brooks Foundation. Brooks. The LSU safety was diagnosed with brain cancer in October. Daniels says he’s honored to help out…

Cut 14 (12) “…blessing others.” 
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Tis the season to be jolly but many Americans suffer from stress, depression, and sadness during the holidays.  Experts encourage those in need to proactively seek care before the problem gets worse.  LSU Health New Orleans Chair of Psychiatry Dr. Rahn Bailey urges those who are suffering from depression not to compare themselves to others who seem to have it all this time of year.

Cut 12 (13) “…the case.” 

If you feel overwhelmed, you can also speak with a trained counselor by dialing 988 on your phone.

The Belle Chase tunnel is set to close permanently tomorrow.  Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development officials say the south-bound LA Highway 23 will shift to the newly constructed Belle Chasse bridge over the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway. Northbound motorists will use the existing Belle Chasse bridge.  Tolls on the new bridge will not begin until the project is complete in a few months.

For some, the holidays can be difficult. Teiko Foxx has more from an LSU Health New Orleans psychiatrist on coping with holiday depression…

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”
Pope Francis has released an official Papal declaration permitting Catholic priests to bless msame-sex couples.  LSU professor of religious studies Michael Pasquier (PassKay) says the message is that all should feel comfortable seeking a blessing…

Cut 5 (07) “…a blessing.”

During his final press conference of the year and the next to last of his administration, Governor John Bel Edwards says he’s pulling for Republican Governor-elect Jeff Landry but did address whether he will seek office again someday.

Cut 8 (11) “…say never.” 
The New Orleans Saints are in the final stretch of the with only the Rams, Buccaneers, and Falcons left on the schedule. The added stress of playing Thursday Night Football almost 2,000 miles away on a shortened week will prove to be a tough test, but Head Coach Denis says they’ll be prepared come Thursday.

 Cut 16 (23) “…ready to go for Thursday Night.”