| BY BOB WARREN | Staff writer |
Losing people: Louisiana's population is trending in the wrong direction. Jeff Adelson looked at the most recent Census Bureau stats and reports that the Pelican State is near the top an unenviable list. Catholic school expansion: A new, tuition-free Catholic school campus will soon be opening in New Orleans, fueled by a large donation from Saints and Pelicans owner Gayle Benson, Joni Hess reports. Stocking stuffer: If you drove through Slidell on Interstate 10, chances are you saw it. After all, the pink bricks and name were eye catchers, to say the least. Now, a Slidell artist has fashioned a tribute of sorts to the oft-giggled-about Scuttlebutt strip club. Christmas Eve preps: There’s some big-time construction-slash-art happening atop the levees in the River Parishes west of New Orleans. We’re talking chainsaws, folks! And huge fish! Photographer Chris Granger checked it out and came back with these awesome snaps. Thanks for reading Lunch Line. If you're not a subscriber to The Times-Picayune, here's our best offer for you. Cheers, Bob | 