$45 million has been awarded to Livingston Parish to build a disaster response rescue center. The 100,000-square-foot Livingston Parish Emergency Response and Evacuation Center will be able to seat 5,000 people. Livingston Parish 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. That’s where first responders stayed.

Cut 10 (11) “…this parish.”

Papa Noel will need to get his directions early this year because 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 Louisiana River Parishes tradition of lighting the way for Papa Noel dates back to the 1700s

Governor-elect Jeff Landry has appointed Madison Sheahan as the new Secretary for the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.  La-politics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford says Landry is confident the 26-year-old old from Ohio will reshape and rebrand the department…

Cut 7 (10) “…from Louisiana” 

Christmas dinner is right around the corner, and State Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain says folks shouldn’t bypass having Louisiana homegrown produce on their Christmas dinner table.  He says, in the Strain household, Louisiana-certified food and products are always a part of the holiday feast.

Cut 5 (12) “ …Louisiana first.”  

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.”

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.

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.”

With Christmas dinner right around the corner, State Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain says now might be the time to start defrosting your frozen turkey….
Cut 3 (12) “…next day.”

Governor-elect Jeff Landry names 26-year-old Ohio native, Madison Sheehan, as Secretary of the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.
Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Grambling State President Rick Gallot is supposed to take over as the President of the University of Louisiana System on January 1st. But Gallot still has not been offered a contract. Governor-elect Landry told the Louisiana Illuminator that he would like to meet with Gallot and the board to make sure the system is moving in the right direction.

The Holidays can be a wonderful time for family and friends, but it can also be stressful. Dr. Michelle Moore with LSU Health New Orleans Chief of Psychology 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.

LSU signed five offensive linemen as part of its 2024 recruiting class, two of them are excellent basketball players, Weston Davis and Ory Williams. Coach Brian Kelly says not only are they big linemen, but linemen that can move…
cut 15 (15) “…football IQ”
LSU signed a total of 27 players, most of whom have Louisiana roots.

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.”

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.