To keep your Thanksgiving meal safe and avoid calling 9-1-1, Kevin Gallagher has a few tips from the State Fire Marshal.

Cut 1 (29) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

In his Thanksgiving message to Louisiana, Senator John Kennedy recounts the trial of storms and a pandemic its residents have gone through over the past year and cited the Bible for their resiliency.

Cut 9 (11)  “…improve our faith.”

WalletHub Analyst Jill Gonzales says with sales starting earlier now it’s more like Black November instead of the traditional Black Friday. But if you’re venturing out tomorrow WalletHub looked at all of the Black Friday deals at the top 20 US retailers and the top four for the best bargains are….

Cut 6 (11) “…below 50-percent.”

Gonzales says the average discount is 32-percent so if you’re not getting a deal you might want to shop somewhere else.

Drew Brees will be back in the Superdome tonight for the Saints-Bills game. The retired quarterback will be in the broadcast booth providing analysis on NBC television with play-by-play man Mike Tirico. Even though Brees played for the Black and Gold for 15 seasons, he will not show favor to the Saints…

Cut 15 (13)  “…alongside Mike.”

To keep your Thanksgiving meal safe and avoid calling 9-1-1, Kevin Gallagher has a few tips from the State Fire Marshal.

Cut 1 (29) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

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As you enjoy your Thanksgiving Day know that Terrebonne Parish and its residents are still in recovery mode after Ida’s thrashing some three months ago. More from Dave Brannen.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Dave Brannen.” 

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There’s plenty of activity going in the kitchen today as folks prep for Thanksgiving and hopefully, you won’t have to call 9-1-1 as a result. State Fire Marshal Butch Browning says one way is to make sure your kitchen is clean of any grease buildup before you cook to avoid a grease fire and while things are cooking…

Cut 3 (06) “…react to it.” 

Browning says and if something does go wrong on the stovetop…

Cut 4 (10) “…smother the fire. “

And while the family and friends are visiting have them entertain children who are present because Browning says it’s best to keep them out of the kitchen to avoid any pots or pans being knocked off the stovetop and scalding them.

And if you are planning on frying your turkey, be sure to have the fryer at least 20 feet away from anything combustible and be sure your bird is defrosted.

Cut 5 (09) “…significant fire.”

Browning reminds you to never use water to put out a grease fire and search for training videos on the proper way to use a fire extinguisher in advance.

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WalletHub Analyst Jill Gonzales says with sales starting earlier now it’s more like Black November instead of the traditional Black Friday. But if you’re venturing out tomorrow WalletHub looked at all of the Black Friday deals at the top 20 US retailers and the top four for the best bargains are….

Cut 6 (11) “…below 50-percent.”

Gonzales says the average discount is 32-percent so if you’re not getting a deal you might want to shop somewhere else.

The pandemic caused online shopping to soar, and Gonzales says the trend continues. If you feel safer staying at home versus joining the masses on Black Friday, she says you shouldn’t miss out on too many bargains.

Cut 7 (11) “…at home.”

Gonzales says however we are still feeling the effects of the pandemic this holiday season with labor shortages, supply chain issues, and pent-up demand to purchase goods.

Cut 8 (09) “…this year.”

According to WalletHub’s 2021 Coronavirus and Holiday Shopping Survey, one in four are foregoing gifts this year.

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In his Thanksgiving message to Louisiana, Senator John Kennedy recounts the trial of storms and a pandemic its residents have gone through over the past year and cited the Bible for their resiliency.

Cut 9 (11)  “…improve our faith.”

Kennedy says the “gauntlet” of trials since 2020, saying these blows tested our faith again, and again and again. He and his wife pray that you are able to be with your family today and count your blessings too.

Kennedy says despite all that Louisiana has endured over the past year and a half, there is much to be thankful for this Thanksgiving.

Cut 10 (12)  “…by God’s grace.”

On this Thanksgiving, Kennedy says we get to live free in the greatest state and in the greatest country in all of human history.

Cut  11 (08)  “…of blessings too.”  

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On this Thanksgiving Day, some three months after Hurricane Ida, places like Terrebonne Parish remain in recovery mode. A snapshot of the situation there from parish president Gordon Dove:

Cut 12 (09) “…lot of folks.”

He says electricity is back on to everyone who can be connected, as well as water and gas. And, a lot of people still aren’t able to move back into their damaged homes.

Dove says as far as those unable to get into their damaged homes on this Thanksgiving, travel trailers brought in by the state are providing some shelter for Ida victims in Terrebonne.

Cut 13 (11) “…from FEMA itself.”

According to Dove, it seems that getting more and more people back in their homes after Ida is the number one goal.

Cut 14 (10)  “…coming along nicely.”

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Drew Brees will be back in the Superdome tonight for the Saints-Bills game. The retired quarterback will be in the broadcast booth providing analysis on NBC television with play-by-play man Mike Tirico. Even though Brees played for the Black and Gold for 15 seasons, he will not show favor to the Saints…

Cut 15 (13)  “…alongside Mike.”

During halftime, Brees will go down to the field and the Saints say they will use that opportunity for the fans to say thank you to Brees. The future hall of famer expects it will be a special moment, but he says it’s always special in the Dome…

Cut  16 (15) “…great experience”

The state’s Hurricane Ida Sheltering Program is continuing to move forward with more than 13-hundred travel trailers already placed in the hardest-hit parishes for those affected by the storm.

Cut 12 (05) “…families leased in.”  

That’s GOHSEP acting director, Casey Tingle, who says the state purchased nearly 2100 of the trailers under the program announced by Governor Edwards in early October because FEMA’s temporary housing plan was taking too long

According to Triple-A, Thanksgiving travel is up to 13-percent and law enforcement is concerned the increase in travel could lead to a large number of motor vehicle crashes and they are cracking down on drunk driving this holiday weekend. Trooper Ross Brennan says those caught driving under the influence will be arrested…

cut 7 (09) “….out there”

Christmas Tree farmers say there are plenty of pick and cut trees from Louisiana growers even though Ida did leave her mark this summer on local growers. Kay Gersch of Yawn Station Christmas Tree Farm in Livingston Parish says most of their trees had to be re-supported.

Cut  11 (08)  “…a few.”  

Farmers say they are expecting a busy year with more people decorating earlier.

Thousands of families are cooking a turkey for Thanksgiving tomorrow. To make sure your bird is properly cooked, USDA food safety expert Meredith Caruthers says poke a food thermometer in three different places of the turkey…

Cut 5 (15) “..ready to eat.”

Christmas Tree Farmers say they’re already off to a busy start with more people decorating earlier this season. And to meet the demand Kevin Steele of Steele’s Christmas Tree Farm in Washington Parish says for the first time they opened the weekend before Thanksgiving.

Cut 9 (09) “…trees are available.”

Louisiana’s first entry in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade will make history Thursday as the longest float in the parade. Lt Governor Billy Nungesser says Celebration Gator, a 60-foot-long float, will proudly represent the state and promote tourism.

Cut 7 (09) “…this float.”

New Orleans native and Grammy 11 time Grammy-nominated Jon Batiste will be performing on the $1.3 million float.

All of us want to enjoy Thanksgiving dinner this year, but without the proper food preparation steps, you could be setting yourself up for a foodborne illness. More from Dave Brannen.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Dave Brannen.”

The Louisiana Department of Health is proposing to add COVID-19 vaccines to the list of required shots for some students. It’s a move Governor John Bel Edwards supports.

Cut 9 (08) “…the covid vaccines.”

Edwards says it will be mandated to the extent that other vaccines are mandated but only when the FDA gives the vaccine full authorization for children.

It’s said that parents could opt out of the requirement for their child by simply signing a statement of exemption.

Attorney General Jeff Landry is clearly opposed to the COVID-19 mandate for students.

Cut 10 (08)  “…abuse and bullying.”

The proposal will be reviewed by the state’s Health and Welfare Committee before a decision is made to move forward. A date for the committee meeting has not been set.

President Biden orders 50 million barrels of oil to be released from the strategic reserve in an effort to reduce gas prices, but if you’re hoping this will impact your Thanksgiving travel, it won’t. The barrels won’t hit the market until mid to late December. LSU Center for Energy Studies, Executive Director David Dismukes says prices were already on course to correct themselves.

Cut 4 (08) “…administration’s part.”

As the pandemic continues to wane, the cruise business is picking back up in places like New Orleans. Jessica Ragusa, communications director with the Port of New Orleans, says next year should be a record year for cruising out of the Big Easy.

 Cut 6 (07) “…ever had there.” 

By comparison in 2019, there were 251 cruises out of New Orleans, involving both ocean-going vessels and river cruises.

President Biden orders 50 million barrels of oil to be released from the strategic reserve to reduce prices at the pump. Supply versus demand has been driving up prices and LSU Center for Energy Studies, Executive Director David Dismukes says it’s not a favorable market to invest in petroleum because of clean energy policies enacted by the Biden administration

Cut 5 (08) “…energy prices.”

The barrels being released won’t hit the market until mid-to-late December.

House Governmental Affairs Chairman John Stefanski says based on conversations he’s had with lawmakers, he’s not expecting major changes to the political boundaries for the state’s six U-S House Districts…

Cut 9 (13)  “…to make ‘em work.”
Stefanski says adjustments will have to be made because of the population growth in urban areas, and a decline in rural areas.

The cruise business is ramping back up in New Orleans as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to ease. More from Dave Brannen.

Cut 2 (34)…I’m Dave Brannen.”  

President Biden orders 50 million barrels of oil to be released from the strategic reserve in an effort to gas prices, but if you’re hoping this will impact your Thanksgiving travel, it won’t. The barrels won’t hit the market until mid to late December and LSU Center for Energy Studies, Executive Director David Dismukes says however prices were already on course to correct themselves.

Cut 4 (08) “…administration’s part.”

As the pandemic continues to wane, the cruise business is picking back up in places like New Orleans. Jessica Ragusa, communications director with the Port of New Orleans, says next year should be a record year for cruising out of the Big Easy.

 Cut 6 (07) “…ever had there.” 

By comparison, there were 251 cruises out of New Orleans, involving both ocean-going vessels and river cruises.

State Police continues to investigate Sunday night’s fatal police shooting in Metairie. Trooper Kate Stegall says officers encountered an armed man who refused to drop his weapon and whipped around and pointed it at the officers…

Cut 14 (09)  “…at the scene.”
The subject’s identity has not been released.

The Second Harvest Food Bank is continuing to seek assistance at stocking its shelves ahead of Thanksgiving and the rest of the holiday season. Spokesman Jay Vise in New Orleans invites people to come and check out what they do and see how their donations are helping.

Cut 12 (12) “…round as well.”

If you need assistance call 2-1-1- for the nearest food bank.

State Police Trooper Ross Brennan says they are investigating a deadly Friday night crash in Terrebonne Parish. He says this two-vehicle wreck killed four people including the suspected impaired driver, 42-year-old Charles Triggs of Raceland…

Cut 8 (13) “..was killed.”

The three other victims have been identified as 21-year-old Dannon Fulwiley of Raceland, 23-year-old Corey Porter of Raceland, and 25-year-old Ariana Lachico of Houma.

I-10 east near LA 1 in Port Allen is open after a horse trailer detached from the vehicle pulling it this afternoon. DOTD says traffic back up for as long as 7 miles into Baton Rouge while another trailer was brought in the transport the horses. None of the horses were injured but understandably spooked by the incident and reluctant to enter another trailer.

Governor Edwards and other officials today marked the completion of a $125-million I-10 widening project between I-49 and Breaux Bridge; marking nearly a billion dollars spent on intestates during his governorship. The governor says spending money on such infrastructure projects is beneficial to the motoring public.

Cut 10 (09)  “…to travel here.”

Here’s something to be thankful for this Thanksgiving week: gasoline prices have dropped slightly. Patrick DeHaan with GasBuddy.com says regular gas is down about a penny & a half this week, and down about 4-cents from last month. DeHaan says if you’re traveling out-of-state for the holiday be prepared for some sticker shock…:

Cut 5 (05) “….higher prices.”

The national average price of regular gas is $3.41. The statewide average is $3.09.

Gas Buddy Senior Petroleum Analyst Patrick DeHaan says the average price for regular gas in Louisiana is down a penny and half with the statewide average at $3.09 a gallon. DeHaan says the price of oil dropping $10 a barrel, the Department of Interior issuing new leases on federal lands, and less demand in Europe as some countries are facing COVID lockdowns are reasons for the drop in prices.

Cut 4 (11) “…of oil.”

The national average for regular gas is $3.41 a gallon.

Governor Edwards and other officials today marked the completion of the I-10 widening project between I-49 and LA-328. The ribbon-cutting involved the replacement of more than seven miles of pavement.

Cut 9 (12) “…westbound traffic.”

Since 2016, just shy of one billion dollars has been spent on I-10 projects statewide.

Seven people lost their lives in two fatal crashes in Lafourche and Terrebonne Parishes involving suspected drunk drivers. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (31)…I’m Jeff Palermo”  

Nicholls State University is mourning the death of three students who were killed in a two-vehicle crash in Lafourche Parish involving a suspected drunk driver just after midnight on Saturday. State Police Trooper Ross Brennan says they believe 39-year-old Joey Clement (Clay-monh) was impaired when his pick-up truck slammed into an SUV…

 Cut 6 (11) “…that crash.” 

The three victims are from Luling (Loo-ling).

Alexandria State Representative Lance Harris has been named the new Chairman of the House Education Committee. One of the big education issue Mr. Harris says he is ready to tackle is Critical Race Theory.

Cut 15 (12)  “…decisions on it.”

Harris has been in the legislature since 2012.

As we move into the holiday season Governor Edwards continues to encourage COVID vaccinations and for those who already are, he’s also touting booster shots. Vaccine immunity has been shown to drop after six months on the two-dose vaccines, and two months after the one-dose vaccine, so Edwards says it’s best to add a booster.

Cut 9 (07)  “…as well.”

The CDC says more than 48% of Louisianans are fully vaccinated.

As Louisianans sit down for their Thanksgiving meal know that the price tag for the meal is lower than the national average. That’s according to the Louisiana Farm Bureau and spokesman Avery Davidson on the costs of a dinner to feed ten people.

Cut 4 (10) “…average of $68.72. “

He says compared to 2019 your meal costs about $5 more.