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.”

———-

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.”

———

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).” 

———

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.”

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.”
——–

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.” 

——–

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.”

——–

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.” 
——

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.