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.

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.

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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.

The College Football National Signing Day was relatively drama free for LSU as all 27 Tiger commits signed today. Regardless of their rank, On3.com’s Shea Dixon says that these recruits signed because they all believe that together, they can help LSU have more than 10 win seasons under Head Coach Brian Kelly.

Cut 18 (12) “… drama free signing day.”

Tight end Trey’Dez Green and safety Dashawn McBryde are the highest ranked offensive and defensive recruits for LSU.

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In an eventful signing day, ULL signed Catholic High quarterback Daniel Beale today, but also lost their starting quarterback Zeon Chris to the transfer portal. Beale committed to ULL in the summer and led Catholic to the Division I Select Championship game this year while Zeon Chris helped lead the Ragin Cajuns to a bowl game against Jacksonville State after Ben Wooldridge was injured earlier in the season.

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In other college signing news, Louisiana Tech has landed the number one junior college quarterback in the country Ty Keyes. Keyes played his juco years at East Mississippi Community College and had 3,350 yards and 33 touchdown passes in 13 games. Nicholls and Southeastern signed some local commits today as Teurlings Catholic quarterback Preston Welch signed with the Colonels and Oak Grove Defensive End James Harris signed with the Lions.

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The Saints will face the Rams tomorrow in a battle of 7 and 7 teams looking to make the NFC playoffs. Saints quarterback Dereck Carr says that his team is ready to make a push for the playoffs, but in order to do so every player will have to execute their jobs against the Rams.

Cut 16 (15) “…lot of fun”

Saints Receiver Chris Olave will return tomorrow after healing an ankle injury that has kept him out of the last 2 games.

An eight-person jury deliberated for only three hours before dismissing 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. Lewis’ attorney Larry English says they are disappointed by the outcome…

Cut 7 (09) “…our case” 

English says they will consider their legal options moving forward.

53-year-old Lawrence J. Voisin of Houma faces two counts of first-degree rape in connection with alleged sexual abuse with a 10-year-old student. Terrebonne Parish sheriff Tim Soignet says during the investigation, deputies gathered evidence from the victim that suggested that Voisin was involved in ongoing sexual contact with the student. Soignet says Voisin, who was located at his home, confessed to some of the charges.

Cut 13 (12) “…did occur.” 

Voisin is being held on a 250-thousand dollar bond at the Terrebonne Parish jail.

Former Congressman Ralph Abraham will serve as the next Secretary of Health in Governor-elect Jeff Landry’s administration. Brooke Thorington has more….

Cut 1 (31)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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 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.”

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 (33)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.” 

Governor-elect Jeff Landry announces more appointments. former north Louisiana Congressman and physician Ralph Abraham will be the next Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Health. Landry touts Abraham’s knowledge of Medicaid and says under his watch the state will create incentives and supports to help Louisianans move from dependence to independence…

Cut 5 (12) “ …outcomes.”  

53-year-old Lawrence J. Voisin of Houma faces two counts of first-degree rape in connection with alleged sexual abuse of a 10-year-old student. Terrebonne Parish sheriff Tim Soignet says detectives arrived at a local school where the minor reported the abuse.

Cut 12 (10)  “…Mr. Voisin.”  

Voisin is being held on a 250-thousand dollar bond at the Terrebonne Parish jail.

The Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services assists one in four Louisianans every year with food assistance, child support services, and financial assistance. Secretary Terri Ricks says that currently there are more than 41 hundred children in Louisiana’s foster care and with their new “Be There” campaign she encourages everyone to provide help or open their homes to youth who have no place to go.

Cut 10 (08) “…special ways.”

The Federal Jury has dismissed the wrongful termination lawsuit filed by former LSU Assistant Athletic Director, Sharon Lewis. Lewis was let go in February of 2022 and claimed it was retaliation for her reporting claims of sexual misconduct, and gender discrimination. Lewis had reported allegations against running backs coach Frank Wilson saying he exposed himself to and forcefully kissed a student intern on the lips. Tiger Rag Editor Todd Horne says Wilson denied the allegations on the witness stand…

Cut 8 situation

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.” 

DCFS assists one in four Louisianans every year including food assistance, child support services, and financial assistance.

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

Abraham served three terms in DC representing the state’s 5^th congressional district. Landry said it was hard convincing Abraham, who’s a family physician in Richland Parish to take the post but he’s pleased he’s accepted because…

Cut 4 (08) “…facing Louisiana.”

Landry says all Louisianans deserve access to high-quality healthcare including those who live in rural areas and says Abraham is the most qualified person to represent their needs. Also appointed, Madison Sheehan, who most recently helmed the Republican Party in South Dakota. She 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.

Former LSU Assistant Athletic Director Sharon Lewis’s 50 million dollar wrongful termination lawsuit against the university is close to wrapping up. Lewis’s claims she was terminated as retaliation for reporting sexual misconduct complaints. Tiger Rag Editor Todd Horne says Lewis claims she was fired because she would not back down from the power-based male-dominated culture of the football department…

Cut 7 (10) “…be fired” 

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 (06) “…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 Louisiana dot gov to learn more about programs and resources

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.” 

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.”